System for and method of managing and delivering manufacturer-specified consumer product information to consumers in the marketplace

ABSTRACT

A method of managing and delivering manufacturer-specified consumer product information to consumers in the marketplace. For a plurality of UPN-labeled consumer products offered for sale within a the marketplace, the manufacturer of the plurality of UPN-labeled consumer products or an agent thereof, accesses an Internet-enabled relational database and store therein, information elements representative of (1) a plurality of universal product numbers (UPNs) assigned to the plurality of UPN-labeled consumer products manufactured by the manufacturer and registered with the relational database, and (2A) a trademark (TM) symbolically linked to each the UPN, (2B) a product description (PD) symbolically linked to each the UPN, and (2C) one or more uniform resource locators (URLs) symbolically linked to each the UPN, wherein each the URL specifies the location of an information resource located on the Internet and related to one of the plurality of UPN-labeled consumer products registered with the relational database by the manufacturer, and wherein a UPN/TM/PD/URL data link is created and maintained in the relational database for each the UPN-labeled consumer product registered with the relational database by the manufacturer. A consumer within the marketplace transmits a request to the relational database from the Internet-enabled client computer. The UPN, TM and/or PD contained in the request enabled the consumer to access the URLs symbolically linked to the UPN, TM and/or PD, and the URLS are then transmitted to the Internet-enabled client computer for display to and use by a consumer in accessing information resources stored in the Internet-based product information servers, at the URLs.

RELATED CASES

This Application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 09/284,917,now abandoned, which was entered into the U.S. on Apr. 21, 1999 andwhich is a National Phase Entry Application of International ApplicationPCT/US97/19227 filed Oct. 27, 1997, which claims priority to the earlierfiled U.S. application Ser. No. 08/736,798 filed Oct. 25, 1996, now U.S.Pat. No. 5,918,914; U.S. application Ser. No. 08/752,136 filed Nov. 19,1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,6064,979; U.S. application Ser. No. 08/826,120filed Mar. 27, 1997, now abandoned; U.S. application Ser. No. 08/854,877filed May 12, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,950,173; U.S. application Ser.No. 08/871,815 filed Jun. 9, 1997; and U.S. application Ser. No.08/936,275 filed Sep. 9,1997.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention generally relates to a novel system and method forcollecting consumer-product related information and transmitting anddelivering the same along the consumer-product supply and demand chainusing the National Information Infrastructure (e.g. the Internet), andmore particularly to a novel system and method for delivering consumerproduct related information to consumers within retail environmentsusing Internet-based information servers and sales agents.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

Dissemination of consumer-product information between manufacturers andtheir retail trading partners must be accurate and timely. Thetraditional methods of phone calls and faxes are time consuming andresource intensive. An electronic Universal Product Code (UPC) Catalog(i.e. database system), accessible 24 hours a day, is a solution. In1988, QuickResponse Services (QRS), Inc. Of Richmond, Calif., introducedthe first independent product information database, using the retailindustry standard UPC numbering system. Today the QRSolutions™ Catalogcontains information on over 52 million products from over 1500manufacturers. The QRSolutions Catalog is a Windows-based applicationproviding a critical information flow link between the retailers and themanufacturers along the supply and demand chain.

After assigning a UPC number to each item, the manufacturer organizesand sends the data, via an electronic data interchange (i.e. EDI)transmission, or a tape, to QRS, Inc. to be loaded into the UPC Catalogdatabase. Changes to the data can be made on a daily basis. Retailerswith access to a manufacturer's data can view and download the data onceit has been added or updated. Automatic update capabilities ensure themost recent UPC data will be in the EDI mailbox of each retailercustomer quickly.

The effect of a centralized database such as QRS's UPC Catalog improvesthe flow of merchandise from the manufacturer to the retailer's sellingfloor and ultimately to the consumer. With the UPC Catalog, accurate,up-to-date product information is available when the retailer needs it,eliminating weeks from the order cycle time.

In addition to the electronic UPC-based product information subsystem(i.e. UPC Catalog) described above, a number of other informationsubsystems have been developed for the purpose of providing solutions toproblems relating to electronic commerce (EC) merchandising andlogistics within the global supply chain. Such ancillary informationsubsystems include, for example: Sales and Analysis and ForecastingSubsystems for producing and providing retailers with information aboutwhat products consumers are buying; Collaborative ReplenishmentSubsystems for determining what products retailer can be buying in orderto satisfy consumer demand at any given point of time; andTransportation and Logistics Information Subsystems for producing andproviding retailers with information about when products purchased bythem (at wholesale) will be delivered to the their stores. Typically,such information subsystems are connected to various value addedinformation networks in order to efficiently offer such informationservices to retailers on a global basis.

While the above-described information systems collectively cooperate tooptimize the process of moving raw materials into finished products andinto the hands of consumers, such information systems simply fail toaddress the information needs of the consumers of retail products whoeither require or desire product-related information prior to as well asafter the purchase of consumer-products.

Presently, an enormous amount of time, money and effort is beingexpended by companies in order to advertise and sell their products andservices, and after product purchase has taken place, to provide productrelated information, product warranty service and the like. For decades,various types of media have been used to realize such fundamentalbusiness functions.

In recent times, there has have been a number of significantdevelopments in connection with the global information network calledthe “Internet”, which has greatly influenced many companies to createmulti-media Internet Websites in order to advertise, sell and maintaintheir products and services. Examples of such developments include, forexample: the World Wide Web (WWW) based on the Hypertext Markup Language(HTML) and the Hypertext Transmission Protocol (HTTP) by TimBerners-Lee, et al.; easy to use GUI-based Internet navigation tools,such as the Netscape® browser from Netscape Communications, Inc., theInternet Explorer™ browser from MicroSoft Corporation and the Mosaic™browser from Spyglass Corporation; and the Virtual Reality ModelingLanguage (VRML) by Mark Pecse. Such developments in recent times havemade it very easy for businesses to create 2-D Hypermedia-based HomePages and 3-D VR Worlds (i.e. 3-D Websites) for the purpose ofprojecting a desired “corporate image” and providing a backdrop forfinancial investment solicitation as well as product advertising, salesand maintenance operations.

Presently, a person desiring to acquire information about any particularproduct has a number of available search options. In particular, he orshe may attempt to directly contact the manufacturer, wholesaler orreseller by telephone, US mail, e-mail, or through the company's WorldWide Website (WWW), if they have one. In the event one decides toacquire product information through the seller's WWW site, he or shemust first determine the location of its WWW site (i.e. Internetaddress) which oftentimes can involve using Internet Search engines suchas Yahoo®, AltaVista™, WebCrawler™, Lycos™, Excite™, or the like. Thiscan be a very time consuming process and sometimes leads to a dead end.Once the Internet address is obtained, one must then review the homepage of the company's Website in order to find where, if at all,information about a particular product resides on the Website. Thissearch process can be both time consuming and expensive (in terms ofInternet time) and may not turn up desired information on the product ofinterest.

In some instances, product brochures bear a preprinted Internet addressdesigned to direct or point prospective customers to a particularWebsite where more detailed product information can be found. A recentexample of this “preprinted Web Address” pointing technique is the 1996product brochure published by the Sony Corporation for its Sony® PCV-70Personal Computer, which refers prospective customers to the Sony WebAddress “http://www.sony.com/pc”. While this approach provides a directway of finding product related information on the Internet, it is notwithout its shortcomings and drawbacks.

In particular, when a company improves, changes or modifies an existingWebsite which publishes product and/or service advertisements andrelated information, it is difficult (if not impossible) not to changethe Internet locations (e.g. Web addresses) at which such product and/orservice advertisements and related information appear. Whenever acompany decides or is forced to change any of its advertising, marketingand/or public relations firms, there is a substantial likelihood thatnew Websites will be created and launched for particular products andservices, and that the Web addresses of such new Websites will no longercorrespond with the Web addresses on preprinted product brochurescurrently in circulation at the time. This can result in pointing aconsumer to erroneous or vacant Websites, that present either old orotherwise outdated product and/or service information, possiblyadversely influencing the consumer's purchasing decision.

Moreover, when a company launches a new Website as part of a newadvertising and marketing campaign for a particular product, anypreprinted advertising or marketing material relating to such productswill not reflect the new Website addresses which the campaign isattempting to get consumers to visit. This fact about preprintedadvertising media renders it difficult to unify new and old advertisingmedia currently in circulation into an advertising and marketingcampaign having a coherent theme. In short, the inherently static natureof the “preprinted Web address” pointing technique described above iswholly incapable of adjusting to the dynamic needs of advertising,marketing and public relations firms alike.

In addition to the above-described techniques, I-World by Mecklermediahas recently launched a commercial product finding a database on theInternet called “Internet Shopper”. Notably, the “Internet Shopper”database is organized by specific types of product categories coveringcomputer and telecommunication related technologies. While this productinformation finding service may be of help to those looking to buycomputer or communication equipment, it fails to provide an easy way tofind information on previously purchased products, or on productsoutside of the field of communication or computer technology.Consequently, the value of this prior art technique is limited to thoseconsidering the purchase of products catalogued within the taxonomy ofthe “Internet Shopper” directory.

In view of the inherent limitations of I-World's “Internet Shopper” andother product finding directories on the Internet, such as “NetBuyer” byComputer Shopper (at “http://www.netbuyer.com”), the NationalInformation Infrastructure Testbed (NIIT) organization has recentlyformed a “confidential committee of NIIT members” under the title“Universal Product and Service Code Project”. The stated problemaddressed by this Project is how to locate specific goods and serviceson the Internet, and compare prices and other critical marketinformation. As publicized in a NIIT Project Abstract, the “UniversalProduct and Service Code Project seeks to make it easier toelectronically locate goods and services on the Internet using universalproduct and services identifiers and locators. As stated in the ProjectAbstract, the “NIIT believes that changing the way in which Internetinformation is organized is fundamental to solving this problem. In theUniversal Product and Service Code Project, NIIT members are currentlyexploring how coding structures can help organize information aboutproducts accessible using the Internet. NIT's goal is to inform thedevelopment of formalized coding standards that can be used nationallyand internationally so that users can locate goods and services throughsimple searching and browsing methods. In turn, more advanced features,such as comparison shopping, can be added as “intelligent agent”software programs are refined to enable users to search and retrieveproducts linked to these structures.”

While the NIIT's Universal Product and Service Code Project seeks waysof locating specific goods and services on the Internet, all proposalstherefor recommend the development of formalized coding standards andsearching and browsing methods which are expensive and difficult todevelop and implement on a world-wide basis. Moreover, such sought aftermethods will be virtually useless to consumers who have alreadypurchased products and now seek product related information on theInternet.

In summary, prior art “demand chain management” systems have provided:(i) procurement services consisting of UPC Catalogs accessible throughthe Internet and EDI networks; (ii) inventory management servicesconsisting of replenishment, sales analysis and forecasting services;and (iii) distribution management services consisting of EDI andlogistics management services. However, prior art “demand chainmanagement” systems have failed to address the information needs of theconsumers of retail products who either require or desireproduct-related information prior to as well as after the purchase ofconsumer-products. Consequently, prior art demand chain managementsystems operate in an open-loop mode with a “break” in information flowcycle, disabling the manufacturers from communicating with the consumersin an efficient manner to satisfy consumer needs.

Thus, it is clear that there is great need in the art for an improvedsystem and method for collecting product related information andtransmitting and delivering the same between the manufacturers andretailers of products to the consumers thereof in various environments,while avoiding the shortcomings and drawbacks of prior art systems andmethodologies.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide anovel method and apparatus for collecting product-related informationand transmitting and delivering the same between the manufacturers andretailers of products to the consumers thereof in retail shoppingenvironments as well as at home, work and on the road, while overcomingthe shortcomings and drawbacks of prior art systems and methodologies.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an apparatusin the form of a novel consumer-product information collection,transmission and delivery system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system withan Internet-based product information database subsystem which, for eachcommercially available consumer-product, stores a number of informationelements including: the name of the manufacturer; the Universal ProductCode (UPC) assigned to the product by the manufacturer; one or more URLsspecifying the location of information resources (e.g. Web-pages) on theInternet relating to the UPC-labeled consumer-product; and the like.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system, inwhich the URLs stored in the Internet-based product information databaseare categorically arranged and displayed according to specific types ofproduct information (e.g., product specifications and operation manuals;product wholesalers and retailers; product advertisements andpromotions; product endorsements; product updates and reviews; productwarranty/servicing; related or complementary products; productincentives including rebates, discounts and/or coupons; etc.) thatrelate to the kind of information required, desired or otherwise soughtby consumers, wholesalers, retailers and/or trading partners; productprices at which the products are being offered for sale by a particularretailer; and the like.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system,wherein the information maintained within the Internet-based productinformation database management subsystem provides a manufacturerdefined consumer-product directory that can be used by various personsalong the retail supply and demand chain.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system,wherein the manufacturers of consumer-products are linked to theretailers thereof in the middle of the supply and demand chain byallowing either trading partner access to consumer-product informationfrom the Internet-based product information database virtually 24 hoursa day, seven days a week.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system,wherein consumer-product manufacturers, their advertisers, distributorsand retailers are linked to the consumers of such products at the end ofthe supply and demand chain, by allowing such parties access toconsumer-product information from the Internet-based product informationdatabase subsystem virtually 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system andmethod of using the same, which will accelerate the acceptance ofelectronic commerce on the Internet and the development of theelectronic marketplace, which can be used by consumers and small andlarge businesses alike.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel system andmethod for finding and serving consumer-product related information onthe Internet.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system andmethod, wherein virtually any type of product can be registered with thesystem by symbolically linking or relating (i) its preassigned UniversalProduct Number (e.g. UPC or EAN number) or at least the ManufactureIdentification Number (MIN) portion thereof with (ii) the UniformResource Locators (URLS) of one or more information resources on theInternet (e.g. the home page of the manufacturer's Website) related tosuch products.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system andmethod, wherein a Web-based document transport subsystem is provided foruse by manufacturers as well as their advertisers and agents inregistering the UPNs (e.g. UPC numbers) of their products and the URLsof the information resources related to such products.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system withan number of different modes of operation, namely: aManufacturer/Product Registration Mode, wherein manufacturers canregister their companies and consumer products (e.g. UPC numbers andURLs) with the system; an UPN-Directed Information Access Mode, whereinconsumers can access and display information menus containing UPCnumbers linked to URLs pointing Web pages containing consumer productrelated information by scanning the UPC label on the consumer product orby entering the UPC number thereof into a data-entry screen displayed bythe system in this mode; a Manufacturer Website Search Mode, wherein thehome page of a manufacturer's Website can be automatically accessed anddisplayed by scanning the UPC label on any consumer product of themanufacturer or by entering the UPC number thereof into a data-entryscreen displayed by the system in this mode; a Trademark-Directed SearchMode enabling consumers to use trademarks and/or trade names associatedwith consumer products to search for consumer-product relatedinformation registered within the system; and a ProductDescriptionDirected Search Mode enabling consumers to use product descriptorsassociated with particular consumer products to search forconsumer-product related information registered within the system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system,wherein when the system is in its UPN-Directed Information Menu AccessMode, a predesignated information resource (e.g. advertisement, productinformation, etc.) pertaining to any commercial product registered withthe system can be automatically accessed from the Internet and displayedfrom the Internet browser by simply entering the registered product'sUPN into the Internet browser manually or by bar code symbol scanning.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system,wherein when the system is in its Trademark-Directed Search Mode, apredesignated information resource (e.g. advertisement, productinformation, etc.) pertaining to any commercial product registered withthe system can be automatically accessed from the Internet and displayedfrom the Internet browser by simply entering the registered product'strademark(s) and/or associated company name into the Internet browser.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system,wherein when the system is in its Product-Description-Directed SearchMode, a predesignated information resource (e.g. advertisement, productinformation, etc.) pertaining to any commercial product registered withthe system can be automatically accessed from the Internet and displayedfrom the Internet browser by simply entering the registered product'sproduct description into the Internet browser.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system,wherein a predesignated information resource pertaining to anycommercial product having been assigned a Universal Product Number (UPN)can be accessed from the Internet and displayed from the Internetbrowser by simply selecting its and then entering the UPN numeric stringinto an Input Box which pops up on an HTML form displayed by an Internetbrowser.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system inwhich a relational database, referred to as “an Internet ProductDirectory (IPD),” is realized on one or more datasynchronized IPDServers for the purpose of registering product related information,namely: (i) information representative of commercial productdescriptions, the trademarks used in connection therewith, the companynames providing and/or promoting such products, the E-mail addresses ofsuch companies, and the corresponding URLs on the Internet specifyingcurrent (i.e. up-to-date) Internet Website locations providingproduct-related information customized to such products.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a productinformation finding and serving system, wherein the URLs symbolicallylinked to each registered product in the IPD Servers thereof arecategorized as relating primarily to Product Advertisements, ProductSpecifications, Product Updates, Product Distributors, ProductWarranty/Servicing, and/or Product Incentives (e.g. rebates, discountsand/or coupons), and that such URL categories are graphically displayedto the requester by way of easy-to-read display screens during URLselection and Website connection.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a anInternet-based System wherein: (1) manufacturers and their agents areenabled to simply link (i.e. relate), manage and update within acentralized database, the UPC (and/or UPC/EAN) numbers on their productsand the Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) of HTTP-encoded document (i.e.Web pages) containing particular kinds of consumer product-relatedinformation published on the Internet by the manufacturers, their agentsand/or third parties; and (2) consumers, in retail stores, at home, inthe office and on the road, are enabled to simply access such consumerproduct-related information using such UPC (and/or UPC/EAN) numbersand/or by scanning UPC (or UPC/EAN) bar code symbols encoded with suchproduct identification numbers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel method ofcarrying out electronic-type commercial transactions involving thepurchase of products which are advertised on the Internet at uniformresource locations (URLs) that are registered with the IPI system of thepresent invention.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel system andmethod of finding the UPN or USN associated with any particularregistered product, respectively, by simply selecting a GUI button onthe Internet browser display screen in order to enter a“Trademark-Directed Search Mode”, whereby (i) a dialogue box isdisplayed on the display screen requesting any known trademarksassociated with the product, and/or the name of the company that makes,sells or distributes the particular product, and (ii) the correspondingUPN (i.e. UPC number or EAN number) registered with the IPD Servers isdisplayed to the user for acceptance, whereupon the Internet UniformResource Locators (URLs) are automatically accessed from the IPD Serversand displayed on the display screen of the Internet browser forsubsequent URL selection and Website connection.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system andmethod, wherein during the Trademark-Directed Search Mode, the UPN (e.g.UPC or EAN number) associated with any registered product can be foundwithin the database of the IPD Server using any trademark(s) and/or thecompany name commonly associated with the product.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel system andmethod for serving consumer-product related information to Internetusers in retail shopping environments (e.g. department stores,supermarkets, superstores, home-centers and the like) as well as athome, work or on the road.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a consumer productinformation access terminal located at a point-of-sale (POS) station,wherein the bar code symbol reader integrated with the POS station canbe used to read the UPC numbers on consumer products being offered forsale in the store in order to access consumer product relatedinformation from hyper-linked Websites on the Internet, for display onan LCD screen located at the POS station and viewable from variousviewing positions by the sales clerk as well as consumer shoppers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system andmethod, wherein one or more computer-based kiosks are installed withinretail shopping environments and each such kiosk has an automatic barcode symbol reader for reading the UPC numbers on consumer productsbeing offered for sale in the store, and also a LCD touch-type displayscreen for displaying product-related information accessed fromhyperlinked Websites on the Internet.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system andmethod, wherein one or more computer-based kiosks are installed withinretail shopping environments and each such kiosk has an automatic barcode symbol reader for reading the UPC numbers on consumer productsbeing offered for sale in the store, and also a LCD touch-type displayscreen for displaying product-related information accessed fromhyper-linked Websites on the Internet.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a consumerproduct information kiosk, wherein the laser scanning bar code symbolreader can be easily removed from its support stand to scan largeconsumer products that might be difficult to present within the scanningfield while the bar code symbol reader is supported above the LCDdisplay panel.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a consumerproduct information kiosk, wherein the laser scanning bar code symbolreader has a cordless interface with the kiosk so that it may be movedabout within a retail store in a portable manner to scan UPC labels andaccess consumer product related information.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a consumer productinformation kiosk for use with the system hereof, that is completelytransportable within the store by hand, or may be mounted upon ashopping cart or other vehicle for the convenience of shoppers and thelike.

Another object of the present invention is to provide “virtual” or“Cyber” sales and service agents within retail shopping environments byinstalling the computer-based kiosks of the present invention therein.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a Web-basedinformation delivery system and method, wherein the computer-basedkiosks employed therein throughout the hosting retailer's store arecapable of displaying the price of products offered for sale in thestore upon reading the UPC bar code symbol thereon.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel method ofconstructing a relational database for use within the productinformation finding and serving subsystem of the present invention.

Another method of the present invention is to provide such a method ofdatabase construction, wherein the relational database is initially“seeded” with: (i) the Manufacturer Base UPC Numbers based on the sixdigit UPC Manufacturer Identification Numbers (MIN) assigned to themanufacturers by the UCC and incorporated into the first six charactersof each UPC number applied to the products thereof; and (ii) the URLs ofthe Website home pages of such manufacturers.

Another method of the present invention is to provide such a method ofdatabase construction, wherein the “seeded” relational database is thensubsequently extended and refined with the participation of eachregistered manufacturer (and/or agents thereof) by adding to the“seeded” database (iii) the 12 digit UPC numbers assigned to eachproduct sold thereby and the menu of URLs symbolically linked to eachsuch corresponding product.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system andmethod, in which Website-based advertising campaigns can be changed,modified and/or transformed in virtually any way imaginable by simplyrestructuring the symbolic links between the products and/or services inthe campaign using current (i.e. up-to-date) Website addresses at whichWebsite advertisements and information sources related thereto arelocated on the Internet.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel system andmethod of automatically soliciting companies to register their productswithin the databases of such IPD Servers in order that product relatedinformation of a multimedia nature (e.g. Websites), once registeredtherewith, can be easily found on the Internet by anyone using thesystem and method of the present invention.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel system andmethod for finding and serving consumer-product related information onthe Internet, accessible from the Websites of each manufacturer who hasregistered its UPN/URLs with the system's “central” IPD Database.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system andmethod, wherein as part of the consumer product registration process,the manufacturer (or retailer) maintains a limited-version of UPN/URLdatabase which contains a list of categorized URLs for each UPC-encodedproduct that it sells.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system andmethod, wherein the consumer product related information links containedwithin the limited-version of the UPN/URL Database of each registeredmanufacturer (or retailer) can be accessed from the manufacturer's (orretailer's) company Website and served to consumers requesting suchinformation by way of UPC (or EAN) number entry.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system andmethod, wherein input HTML forms for searching the limited-version ofthe UPN/URL Database of each registered manufacturer (or retailer) canbe accessed by selecting a predesignated Check Button on the GUI to aWebsite providing access thereto.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system andmethod, wherein the limited-version of the UPN/URL Database of eachregistered manufacturer (or retailer) is used to update a “central” or“master” UPN/URL Database which is continuously maintained and madeaccessible to consumers (i) through Web-based kiosks installed inlicensed retail environments and (ii) through Internet-enabled clientsubsystems located at home, work and in school.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system andmethod, wherein at the time of registering each manufacturer (orretailer) with the system, an Internet-based registration serverautomatically transmits a computer program to the manufacturer's (orretailer's) computer system for use in constructing and maintaining thelimited-version UPN/URL Database related to the manufacturer's(retailer's) products.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system andmethod, wherein the limited-version UPN/URL Database of each registeredmanufacturer (or retailer) can be served from the manufacturer's (orretailer's) Internet information server using a Common Gateway Interfaceprogram (CGI).

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system andmethod, wherein the limited-version UPN/URL database of each registeredmanufacturer (or retailer) is realized using a cross-platformcompatible, relational database management system (RDBMS).

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparenthereinafter and in the Claims to Invention

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of how to practice the Objects of thePresent Invention, the following Detailed Description of theIllustrative Embodiments can be read in conjunction with theaccompanying Drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the various informationsubsystems provided by the consumer-product information collection,transmission and delivery system of invention along the consumer-productdemand chain, namely an Internet-based Product-Information (IPI) Findingand Serving Subsystem, a UPC-based Product-Information Subsystem (“UPCCatalog”), an Electronic Trading Information Subsystem, a Sales Analysisand Forecasting Information Subsystem, Collaborative ReplenishmentInformation Subsystem, and a Transportation and Logistics InformationSubsystem;

FIGS. 2-1 and 2-2 show a schematic diagram of the consumer-productinformation collection, transmission and delivery system of theillustrative embodiment hereof shown embedded with the infrastructure ofthe global computer communications network known as the “Internet”, andcomprising a plurality of data-synchronized Internet Product Directory(IPD) Servers connected to the infrastructure of the Internet, a UPN/URLDatabase Subsystem (i.e. UPN/URL Database) connected to one or more ofthe IPD Servers and one or more globallyextensive electronic datainterchange (EDI) networks, a Web-based Document Server connected to atleast one of the IPD Servers and the Internet infrastructure, aWeb-based Document Administration Computer connected to the Web-basedDocument Server by way of a TCP/IP connection, a plurality of InternetProduct-Information (IPI) Servers connected to the infrastructure of theInternet for serving consumer-product related information to consumersin retail stores and at home, a plurality of Client Subsystems connectedto the infrastructure of the Internet and allowing manufacturers totransmit consumer-product related information to the Web-based DocumentServer for collection and retransmission to the IPD Servers, and aplurality of Client Subsystems connected to the infrastructure of theInternet and allowing consumers in retail stores and at home to requestand receive consumer-product related information from the IPD Servers;

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of informationalong the consumerproduct supply and demand chain, including (i) thecommunication link extending between the information subsystems ofmanufacturers of UPC-encoded products and the centralized (or master)UPN/URL Database Management Subsystem 9 of the consumer-productinformation collection, transmission and delivery system of the presentinvention, (ii) the communication link extending between the UPN/URLDatabase Subsystem and the IPD Servers of the present invention, (iii)the communication link extending between the IPD Servers and in-storeClient Subsystems of retailers, (iv) the communication link extendingbetween the IPI Servers and the in-store Client Subsystems of retailers,(v) the communication link extending between the IPD Servers and theClient Subsystems of consumers, and (vi) the communication linkextending between the IPI Servers and the Client Subsystems ofconsumers;

FIG. 2B is a block schematic diagram of the IPD Server of theillustrative embodiment, showing its subsystem components namely therelational database management subsystem (RDBMS), common gatewayinterface (CGI), and HTTP (http) server;

FIG. 3A1 is a graphical representation of a first illustrativeembodiment of the client computer system of the present invention,designed for use in desktop environments at home, work and play;

FIG. 3A2 is a graphical representation of a second illustrativeembodiment of the client computer system of the present inventionrealized in the form of a bar code driven multi-media kiosk, designedfor use as a “virtual sales agent” in retail shopping environments suchas department stores, supermarkets, superstores, retail outlets and thelike;

FIG. 3A3 is a graphical representation of a third illustrativeembodiment of the client computer system of the present inventionrealized in the form of a bar code driven multi-media kiosk, designedfor use as a “virtual sales agent” in retail shopping environments suchas department stores, supermarkets, superstores, retail outlets and thelike, and shown as having an integrated “cord-connected” type laserscanning bar code symbol reader disposed overhead its LCD touch-screenpanel, a telephone handset for carrying out telephone calls, and acredit card transaction terminal for conducting consumer purchasetransactions and other forms of electronic commerce while using theconsumer product information finding system of the present invention;

FIG. 3A3′ is a graphical representation of the bar code drivenmultimedia kiosk shown in FIG. 3A3, wherein the laser scanningprojection-type bar code symbol reader is removed from its supportstand, by pulling its connector cable out of its cable take-up unit, andused to read a bar code symbol on product located a relatively shortdistance away from the kiosk;

FIG. 3A4 is a graphical representation of a fourth illustrativeembodiment of the client computer system of the present inventionrealized in the form of a bar code driven multi-media kiosk, designedfor use as a “virtual sales agent” in retail shopping environments suchas department stores, supermarkets, superstores, retail outlets and thelike, and shown as having an integrated “cordless” type laser scanningbar code symbol reader disposed overhead its LCD touch-screen panel, atelephone handset for carrying out telephone calls, and a credit cardtransaction terminal for conducting consumer purchase transactions andother forms of electronic commerce while using the consumer productinformation finding system of the present invention;

FIG. 3A4′ is a graphical representation of the bar code drivenmulti-media kiosk shown in FIG. 3A4, wherein the laser scanningprojection-type bar code symbol reader is removed from its support standand used to read a bar code symbol on product located a relatively shortdistance away from the kiosk;

FIG. 3A5 is a graphical representation of a fifth illustrativeembodiment of the client computer system of the present inventionrealized in the form of a consumer product information access terminal,designed for use as a “sales agent's tool” at a point-of-sale (POS)station in retail shopping environments, wherein the information accessterminal has a bar code symbol reader integrated with the POS stationfor reading the UPC numbers on consumer products being offered for salein the store, and also a LCD screen capable of being mounted in variousviewing positions for displaying consumer product-related informationaccessed from a centralized database interconnect to the Internet;

FIG. 3B is a schematic representation of an exemplary display screenproduced by a (graphical user interface) GUI-based web browser programrunning on a client subsystem and providing an on-screen IPD WebsiteFind button (e.g. UPC REQUEST™ Central Website Find button) forinstantly connecting to the IPD Website (e.g. UPC REQUEST™ CentralWebsite) and carrying out the consumer product information finding andserving method of the present invention;

FIG. 3C is a schematic representation of an exemplary display screenproduced by a GUI-based Internet browser or communication programrunning on a client subsystem and displaying a Netscape-style browser“display framework”, served from the IPD Website (e.g. UPC REQUEST™Central Website), and supporting a providing a sponsor frame for sponsoradvertisement, a control frame with Check-Box type buttons foractivating any mode of the IPI finding and serving subsystem, and aninformation frame for displaying HTML documents (instructions, forms,and the like) in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4A1 is a schematic representation of the relational-type IPIRegistrant Database maintained by each IPD Server configured into thesystem of the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, showingthe information fields for storing (i) the information elementsrepresentative of the UPN (e.g. UPC data structure, EAN data structure,and/or National Drug Code (NDC) data structure), URLs, trademark(s)(TM_(i)), Company Name (CNi) and company address, Product Description(PD_(i)) and E-Mail Address (EMA_(i)) thereof symbolically-linked (i.e.related) for a number of exemplary IPI Registrants listed (i.e.registered) with the IPI Registrant Database maintained by each IPDServer;

FIG. 4A2 is a schematic representation of the information subfieldstructure of the URL Information Field of the IPI Database of FIG. 4A1,showing the Product Advertisement Information Field, the ProductSpecification (Description/Operation) Information Field, the ProductUpdate Information Field, the Product Distributor/Reseller/DealerInformation Field, the Product Warranty/Servicing Information Field, theProduct Incentive Information Field thereof, the Product ReviewInformation Field, the Related Products Information Field, andMiscellaneous Information Fields detailed in greater detail hereinafter;

FIG. 4B is a schematic representation of the relational-type Non-IPIRegistrant Database maintained by each IPD Server that is configuredinto the IPI Finding and Serving Subsystem of the illustrativeembodiment of the present invention, showing the information fields forstoring (i) the information elements representative of the Company Name(CNi) and Company Address, Trademark(s) (TM_(i)) registered by theassociated Company, and E-Mail Address (EMA_(i)) thereofsymbolically-linked for a number of exemplary Non-IPI registrants listedwithin the Non-IPI Registrant Database maintained by each IPD Server;

FIG. 4C is a schematic representation of the structure of a relationaldatabase management subsystem (RDBMS) used to carry out a best-modeembodiment of the IPI Registrant Database represented in FIGS. 4A1 and4A2 hereof;

FIG. 4C1 is a schematic representation illustrating the informationfields of the table entitled “Manufacturer” used in the RDBMS shown inFIGS. 4A1 and 4A2 hereof;

FIG. 4C2 is a schematic representation illustrating the informationfields of the table entitled “Consumer Product” used in the RDBMS shownin FIGS. 4A1 and 4A2 hereof;

FIG. 4C3 is a schematic representation illustrating the informationfields of the table entitled “Information Resources on the WWW” used inthe RDBMS shown in FIGS. 4A1 and 4A2 hereof;

FIG. 4D is a schematic representation illustrating the informationfields of the table entitled “Retailer” used in the RDBMS shown in FIGS.4A1 and 4A2 hereof;

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating the high level structure ofcommunication protocol that can be used among the client subsystem Ca,the IPD Server Sb, and the Web-based Document Server SWD (30) of the IPIFinding and Serving Subsystem hereof when, from any particular clientsubsystem, the subsystem engaged is in Manufacturer/Product RegistrationMode of operation, requesting as input a URL which automaticallyconnects the client subsystem to the Web Document Server associated withthe Manufacturer/Product Registration Subsystem of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram illustrating the high level structure ofa communication protocol that can be used among the client subsystemC_(a), the IPD Server S_(b), and the IPI Server S_(c) of the IPI Findingand Serving Subsystem hereof when the subsystem is in its ManufacturerWebsite Search Mode of operation, requesting as input a UPN (e.g. UPC orEAN) associated with a manufacturer's product, and providing as outputthe URL of the home page of the manufacturer's Website and automaticallydisplaying the same;

FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram illustrating the high level structure ofa communication protocol that can be used among the client subsystemC_(a), the IPD Server S_(b), and the IPI Server S_(c) of the IPI Findingand Serving Subsystem hereof when the subsystem is in its UPN-DirectedInformation Access Mode of operation, requesting as input a UPNassociated with the consumer product, and providing as output the set ofURL(s) registered with the consumer product identified by the UPN withinthe database of the system and pointing to HTTP-encoded documentscontaining particular types of product-related information;

FIG. 5D is a schematic diagram illustrating the high level structure ofa communication protocol that can be used among the client subsystemC_(a), the IPD Server S_(b), and the IPI Server S_(c) of the IPI Findingand Serving Subsystem hereof when the subsystem is in itsTrademark-Directed Search Mode of operation, requesting as input atrademark and/or company name, and providing as output the productdescriptor(s) and a UPN (or set thereof) related to the trademark withinthe database of the system and pointing to HTTP-encoded documentscontaining particular types of product-related information;

FIG. 5E is a schematic diagram illustrating the high level structure ofa communication protocol that can be used among the client subsystemC_(a), the IPD Server S_(b), and the IPI Server S_(c) of the IPI Findingand Serving Subsystem hereof when the subsystem is in itsProduct-Description Directed Search Mode of operation, requesting asinput a product descriptor related to the consumer product on whichinformation is sought and providing as output the trademark, companyname and URL(s) related to the product descriptor within the database ofthe system and pointing to HTTP-encoded documents containing particulartypes of product-related information;

FIG. 6A provides a high level flow chart illustrating the steps involvedin carrying out the communication protocol shown in FIG. 5A when the IPIFinding and Serving Subsystem is in its Manufacturer/ProductRegistration Mode of operation;

FIG. 6B provides a high level flow chart illustrating the steps involvedin carrying out the communication protocol shown in FIG. 5B when the IPIFinding and Serving Subsystem is in its Manufacturer Website Search Modeof operation;

FIG. 6C provides a high level flow chart illustrating the steps involvedin carrying out the communication protocol shown in FIG. 5D when the IPIFinding and Serving Subsystem is in its UPN-Directed Information AccessMode of operation;

FIGS. 6D1 through 6D3, taken together, provide a high level flow chartillustrating the steps involved in carrying out the communicationprotocol shown in FIG. 5C when the IPI Finding and Serving Subsystem isin its Trademark-Directed Search Mode of operation;

FIG. 6E1 through 6E3, taken together, provide a high level flow chartillustrating the steps involved in carrying out the communicationprotocol shown in FIG. 5E when the IPI Finding and Serving Subsystem isin its Product-Description Directed Search Mode of operation;

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of theIPI Finding and Delivery Subsystem of the present invention showing thevarious constituent subsystems thereof; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of portfolio of Websites supportedand managed by the UPN/URL database management subsystem with theassistance of the manufacturer/product registration subsystem andWeb-enabled client subsystems operated by manufacturers and/or theiragents in accordance with the information management principles of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENTINVETION

Referring to the accompanying Drawings, like structures and elementsshown throughout the figures thereof shall be indicated with likereference numerals.

Overview of the System of the Present Invention

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the consumer-product information collection,transmission and delivery system of the present invention is generallyindicated by reference numeral 1 and comprises an integration ofinformation subsystems, namely: an IPI finding and serving subsystem 2for allowing consumers to find product related information on theInternet (e.g. WWW) at particular Uniform Resource Locators (URLs),using UPC numbers and/or trademarks and trade names symbolically-linkedor related thereto; a UPC Product-Information Subsystem (“UPC Catalog”)3 for providing retailers with accurate up-to-date product informationon numerous consumer-products offered for wholesale to retailers bymanufacturers registering their products therewith; a Electronic TradingInformation Subsystem 4 for providing trading partners (e.g. amanufacturer and a retailer) to sell and purchase consumer goods bysending and receiving documents (e.g. purchase orders, invoices, advanceslip notices, etc.) to consummate purchase and sale transactions usingeither Value Added Network (VAN) based EDI transmission or Internet(e.g. HTTP, SMTP, etc.) based electronic document communications; aSales Analysis and Forecasting Information Subsystem 5 for providingretailers with information about what products consumers are currentlybuying at retail stores or expect to be buying in the near future;Collaborative Replenishment Information Subsystem 6 for determining whatproducts retailers can be buying in order to satisfy consumer demand atany given point in time; a Transportation and Logistics InformationSubsystem 7 for providing retailers with information about when orderedproducts (purchased by retailers at wholesale) will be delivered to theretailer's stores; and Input/Output Port Connecting Subsystems 8 forinterconnecting the input and output ports of the above-identifiedsubsystems through the infrastructure of the Internet and variousvalue-added EDI networks of global extent. Notably, unlike prior artsupply chain management systems, the consumer-product informationcollection, transmission and delivery system of the present inventionembraces the manufacturers, retailers, and consumers of UPC-encodedproducts, and not simply the manufacturers and retailers thereof. Aswill become apparent hereinafter, this important feature of the presentinvention allows manufacturers and retailers to deliver valuable productrelated information to the consumers of their products, therebyincreasing consumer purchases, consumer satisfaction and consumerloyalty. Prior art supply chain management systems simply have no way ormeans of providing such information services to the consumers ofUPC-encoded products along the consumer-product supply and demand chain.

As shown in FIGS. 2-1 and 2-2, the consumer-product informationcollection, transmission and delivery system of FIG. 1 is realized as anarrangement of system components, namely: a central UPN/URL DatabaseManagement Subsystem 9 for storing and serving various types ofconsumer-product information to retailers, manufacturers and consumersalike (e.g., the name of the product's manufacturer; the UniversalProduct Code (UPC) or European Article Number (EAN) assigned to theproduct by the manufacturer; one or more URLs specifying the location ofinformation resources on the Internet at which particular kinds ofinformation relating to the consumer-product can be found; merchandiseclassification; style number; trade name; information specifying thesize, color and other relevant characteristics of the consumer-product,where applicable; ordering criteria; availability and booking dates,etc.); a globally-based (packet-switched) digital telecommunicationsnetwork (such as the Internet) 10 having an infrastructure includingInternet Service Providers (ISPs), Network Service Providers (NSPs),routers, telecommunication lines, channels, etc., for supportingpacket-switched type digital data telecommunications using the TCP/IPnetworking protocol well known in the art; one or more Internet ProductFinding Directory (IPD) Servers, each indicated by reference numeral 11and being connected to the Internet at strategically different locationsvia the Internet infrastructure 10 and data-synchronized with each otherin order that each such Server maintains mirrored a relational-typedatabase structure as represented in FIGS. 4A and 4B; a plurality ofInternet Product-Information (IPI) Servers, each indicated by referencenumeral 12 and being connected to the Internet via the Internetinfrastructure; a plurality of User (or Client) Computers, eachindicated by reference numeral 13, being connected to the Internet viathe Internet infrastructure and available to consumers (C1, C2, C3, . .. , Ci); one or more data communication (i.e. EDI) networks 14,comprising data collection nodes 15 and communication links 16, operablyconnected to the centralized UPN/URL Database Management Subsystem 9,each Client Computer 13 available to a Manufacturer (M1, M2, M3, . . ,Mj) and Retailer (R1, R2, R3, . . , Rk) within the retail supply anddemand chain; a Web-based Document Server 30 connected to at least oneof the IPD Servers 11 and the Internet infrastructure, for transferringdocuments and messages to remote Client Computer Systems during theregistration of manufacturers and consumer products with the systemhereof and periodically updating product-related information with theIPD Servers 11 in an automatic manner; and a Web-based DocumentAdministration Computer 31 connected to the Web-based Document Server 30by way of a TCP/IP connection 32, for administrating the registration ofmanufacturers and products with the system, initiating the transfer ofconsumer product related information (e.g. menu of URLs) between theremote Client Computer Systems and Web-Based Document Server 30,transferring such information to the IPD Servers 11, and maintaininglocal records of such information transfers and the like. As will becomeapparent hereinafter, Web-based Document Server 30 and Web-basedDocument Administration Computer 31 provide a subsystem for (i) managingthe process of registering qualified manufacturers and their consumerproducts and related Web pages (e.g. UPC numbers and URLs), and (ii)updating the product-related information with the IPD Servers 11 in anautomatic manner to ensure accurate links between UPNs and URLs withinthe UPN/URL Database Management Subsystem. The subsystem comprising theWeb-based Document Server 30 and Web-based Document AdministrationComputer 31 shall be referred to as the Manufacturer/ProductRegistration Subsystem of the consumer product information finding anddelivery subsystem 2 and indicated by reference numeral 33 throughoutthe figure drawings hereof.

Preferably, the centralized UPN/URL Database Management Subsystem 9 andat least one of the IPD Servers 11 are located at a secured informationstorage/processing center 17, along with a multiprocessor (or mainframe)computer system, information servers, routers, data communication lines,disk storage devices (e.g. RAIDs), tape drives and tape-library system,uninterrupted power supplies (UPS), and other peripheral technology toprovide on-line, batch and back-up operations. However, the IPI Servers,the Client Computers and the other IPD Servers (if provided for databasemirroring purposes), typically will be located throughout the world, asthe distribution of manufacturers, retailers and consumers who areencouraged to use the system are scattered across the planet.

In the illustrative embodiment, the Web-based Document Server 30 is aWindows NT Server running WebDox™ Server software from PremenosCorporation of Concord, Calif. The Windows NT Server can be realizedusing a suitable computer system having a Pentium® or higher CPU, 64 MBof RAM or higher, running (i) Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 or higherOperating System software from Microsoft Corporation, (ii) MicrosoftInternet Information Server 2.0 or higher from Microsoft Corporation,and (iii) Microsoft SQL Server 6.5 or higher software from MicrosoftCorporation. Also, the WebDox™ Server is provided with a dedicatedInternet connection (i.e. ISDN or better) to the Internet infrastructure10.

The EDI administration computer 31 is either a Windows 95 or Windows NTComputer system running WebDox Admin™ software from Premenos Corporationof Concord, Calif. The Windows 95 or Windows NT computer system 31 canbe realized using a suitable computer system having an Intel 486 orhigher CPU, 12 MB of RAM or higher, running Microsoft Windows 95 orWindows NT 4.0 or higher, and having a TCP/IP connection 31 to theWebDox™ Server 30.

In order to use the WebDox™ system, each remote Client Computer System13 includes either a Windows 95 or Windows NT Computer system runningWebDox Remote™ software from Premenos Corporation of Concord, Calif. TheWindows 95 or Windows NT computer system 13 can be realized using asuitable computer system having a Intel 486 or higher CPU, 16 MB of RAMor higher, and a VGA monitor or better, and running (i) MicrosoftWindows 95 or Windows NT 3.51 or higher Operating System (OS) software,and (ii) Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 or higher from MicrosoftCorporation. Also, the WebDox Remote™ Server is provided with a dial-upInternet connection (i.e. 14,400 bps or better) to the Internetinfrastructure. The function of the Web-based Document Server 30,Web-based Administration System 31 and remote client subsystems 13running the Premenos® WebDox Remote™ software is to provide a Web-basedDocument Transport System for automatically transferring information(e.g. UPN/URLs) from manufacturers to the IPD Servers of the system inorder to periodically update the same. While the illustrative embodimentof this Web-based Document Transport System has been described in termsof its implementation using the WebDox™ system from Premenos, it isunderstood that other commercially available electronic documenttransport systems (e.g. COMMERCE:FORMS™ Electronic Business FormsPackage from Sterling Commerce, Inc., http://www.stercomm.com) can beused to carry out this subsystem. The operation of this Web-BasedDocument Transport System will be described in detail hereinafter withrespect to the collection and delivery of consumer product-relatedinformation to the IPDs hereof.

The major subsystem components comprising the consumer-productinformation collection, transmission and delivery system of the presentinvention will be described in greater detail below.

In the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the UPCProduct-Information Subsystem 2 is realized using the UPN/URL DatabaseManagement Subsystem 9 and data communication networks 14 shown in FIGS.2—2 and 2—2. Preferably, the product procurement services delivered bythe UPN/URL Database Management Subsystem 9 are provided by modifyingthe prior art QRSolutions UPC Catalog currently implemented byQuickResponse Services, Inc., so that this subsystem includes thedatabase structures (i.e. information fields and data elements) of theIPD Database Server 11 which are neither found in nor suggested by theprior art QRSolutions UPC Catalog. The structure and operation of theUPN/URL Database Management Subsystem and IPD Server of the presentinvention will be described in greater detail hereinafter. Theinformation services supported by the UPC Product-Information Subsystem3 include those provided by the prior art QRSolutions UPC Catalog, andalso a number of additional information services that can be used tocarry out Product Registration within the IPI Finding and ServingSubsystem of the present invention. These additional informationservices will be described in greater detail hereinafter with referenceto FIG. 2A.

The Electronic Trading Information Subsystem 4 is realized using theUPN/URL Database Management Subsystem 9, Client Computer Systems 13 anddata communication networks 14 of the enabling technology platform shownin FIG. 2. Preferably, the inventory procurement services delivered bythe Electronic Trading Subsystem 4 are provided by the prior artQRSolutions Econnect and Electronic Data Interchange Services currentlybeing implemented by QuickResponse Services, Inc.

Sale Analysis and Forecasting Information Subsystem 5 is realized usinginformation storage/processing center 1, Client Computer Systems 13, andthe data communication networks 14 of the enabling technology platformshown in FIG. 2. Preferably, the product inventory management servicesdelivered by the Sale Analysis and Forecasting Information Subsystem 5are provided by the prior art QRSolutions Sale Analysis and ForecastingInformation Services currently being implemented by QuickResponseServices, Inc.

The Collaborative Replenishment Information Subsystem 4 is realizedusing information storage/processing center 17, Client Computer Systems13 and the data communication networks 114 of the enabling technologyplatform shown in FIG. 2. Preferably, the product inventory managementservices delivered by the Collaborative Replenishment InformationSubsystem 6 are provided by the prior art QRSolutions ReplenishmentServices currently being implemented by QuickResponse Services, Inc.

The Transportation and Logistics Information Subsystem 7 is realizedusing information storage/processing center 17, Client Computer Systems13, and the data communication networks 14 of the enabling technologyplatform shown in FIG. 2. Preferably, the product distributionmanagement services delivered by the Transportation and LogisticsInformation Subsystem 7 are provided by the prior art QRSolutions EDIand Logistics Management Services currently being implemented byQuickResponse Services, Inc.

In the illustrative embodiment of the system of the present invention,each Client Computer 13 has a conventional GUI-based web browser program(e.g. Netscape, Internet Explorer, Mosaic, etc.) with a plug-in typemodule, such as CyberFinder™ navigational software by Aladdin Systems,Inc., of Watsonville, Calif., that provides an on-screen graphical iconfor a “IPI Website Find” function. An exemplary display screen 18produced by such a GUI-based web browser program is set forth in FIG.3B. Alternatively, the URL of the home page of the IPI Website can berecorded as a browser “bookmark” for easy recall and access through aconventional GUI-based Internet browser. Once at the home page of theIPI Web-site, an Internet user can find product-related information onthe Internet in essentially the same way as when using the web browserprogram of FIG. 3B. As shown, the on-screen radio button 19 functions asan “IPI Website Find” Button (or Consumer Product Information Button)for instantly connecting the client subsystem to a particular IPIWebsite (i.e. hosted on each mirrored IPD Server) and especially adaptedfor carrying out the IPI finding and serving method of the presentinvention. In general, each IPI Website can be sponsored by a retailstore subscribing to the consumer product information service hereof, orby one or manufacturers and/or service providers. The URL for the homepage of any particular IPI Website can be selected with marketingconsiderations in mind, for example, “http://www.ipf.com” or“http://www.upcrequest.com” similar in form with the URLs of otherinformation search-engines and directories currently available on theInternet. Upon selecting the IPI Website Find Button 19 (e.g. by aclicking of the mouse thereon shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C), the user isautomatically connected to the home-page of the IPI Website (hosted oneach mirrored IPD Server) which, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, supports aNetscape-style “framework”, within which web-pages accessed through theIPI Website are displayed. An excellent tutorial on “framing” entitled“The Netscape Frames Tutorial™ (2nd edition)” by Charlton D. Rose setforth at the URL: “http://www.newbie.net/frames/”, last visited byApplicant on Mar. 26, 1997.

As shown in FIG. 3C, the IPI Web-site of the illustrative embodiment hasa framework characterized by three-display fields, namely: a sponsorframe 20A; a control frame 20B; and an information display frame 20C fordisplaying web pages. In alternative embodiments, there many be more orfewer display frames than that shown in FIG. 3C. Each frame acts as aseparate display screen where variables such as web-pages, scrolling,page colors, etc., are independently controllable. In practice, it issuggested that the physical layout of the Netscapestyle browser“framework” be designed to simultaneously accommodate the needs of theconsumers using the particular Client Subsystems of the presentinvention, as well as the needs of the retailers who typically will hostclient subsystems hereof either (1) physically within their stores,and/or (2) electronically on their WWW sites using Web browser framingtechniques as well.

In the case of Client Subsystems physically hosted (i.e. located) withinthe environment of retail stores, a three-field browser framework asshown in FIG. 3C will be highly effective in meeting the needs of theretailer, consumer, and business organization delivering the IPI Findingand Serving Subsystem of the present invention (hereinafter the “IPIProvider”). As shown in FIG. 3C, the first (top-most) display field, thesponsor frame 20A, can be used to display to the consumer, a Web page(e.g. HTML-encoded document) containing a message that the IPI Findingand Serving Subsystem is being delivered to the consumer by the IPIProvider under, for example, the sponsorship of either: (1) the hostingretailer; (2) one or more advertisers posting advertising “banners” inthe display frame 20A; or (3) the consumer him or her self by paying asubscription fee or the like. Understandably, the method of sponsorshipemployed will vary from embodiment to embodiment of the presentinvention. An exemplary message for this display screen might read, forexample, as follows:

-   -   “Welcome to the UPC Request™ Consumer Product-Information        Finding and Serving System sponsored by THE HOME DEPOT for your        shopping convenience and pleasure.”

The height of the sponsor frame 20A need only be a small fraction of theconsumer's display screen (e.g. 3/4 inches) to convey this message tothe consumers during use of the IPI Finding and Serving Subsystem of thepresent invention within the retailer's real (or virtual) shoppingenvironment.

As shown in FIG. 3C, the second (left-most) display field, the controlframe 20B, is used to display a HTML-encoded document containing aGUI-based “control panel” 21 for the consumer product informationfinding and serving subsystem of the present invention. In theillustrative embodiment, this control panel 21 includes five Check Boxtype buttons, namely: a first Check Box type button 21A which, whenselected, automatically activates the Manufacturer/Product RegistrationMode of the subsystem; a second Check Box type button 21B which, whenselected, automatically activates the Manufacturer Website Search Modeof the subsystem; a third Check Box type button 21C which, whenselected, automatically activates the UPN-Directed Information AccessMode of the subsystem; a fourth Check Box type button 21D which, whenselected, automatically activates the Trademark-Directed Search Mode;and a fifth Check Box type button 21F which, when selected,automatically activates the Product-Description Directed Search Mode ofoperation of the subsystem. Each of these Check Box type buttons ishot-linked to a particular HTML-encoded document residing on the IPDServer(s) 11 of the subsystem hereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 2B, each IPD Server 11 comprises arelational-database management subsystem (RDBMS) 11A, a HTTP Server 11C,and a common gateway interface program (CGI) 11B for interfacing theRDBMS 11A with the HTTP Server 11C. In the illustrative embodiment, eachsynchronized IPD Server 11 can be realized by, for example, thePowerMac® 8550/200 Internet Server from Apple Computer, Inc., the Origin200 Server or the O₂ Desktop Workstation from Silicon Graphics, Inc, orany other suitable computing machine. Each such computing machine alsocomprises: relational-database management software and Websitedevelopment software for realizing RDBMS 11A; CGI scripting software forrealizing CGI 11B; and HTTP software for realizing HTTP Server 11C inthe web-based, client-server type computer system architecture of theillustrative embodiment. The RDBMS 11A has several functions, namely:(i) to maintain the IPI Websites hereof; and (ii) to maintain the IPIRegistrant Database and the Non-IPI Registrant Database schematicallyillustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively. The function of the CGI11B is to provide an interface between the HTTP Server 11C and the RDBMS11A while enabling the five primary modes of operation of the consumerproduct information finding and delivery subsystem hereof. The functionof the HTTP Server 11C is to (i) support HTTP and (ii) serveHTML-encoded pages from IPI Websites and database requests from the IPIand Non-IPI Registrant Databases. The relational database managementsystem (RDBM) 11A can be constructed using a database programminglanguage such as the 4th Dimension® SQL Language, the Sybase language,or any other suitable database language which allows for databaseprogramming and database connectivity over the Internet. A suitabledevelopment program for creating dynamic Websites with the integrateddatabase structures of FIGS. 4A and 4B is the “4D Web SmartServer” or 4DVersion 6.0, both from ACI, Inc. It is understood, however, thatdatabase development programs such as Oracle, Sybase SQL, Powersoft,Microsoft Access 97, etc. can be used to construct and maintain therelational database management subsystems of the type illustrated inFIGS. 4A and 4B.

As shown in FIG. 1, each IPD Server 11 is interfaced with an ISP 10A ina conventional manner. The actual number of IPD Servers 11 used in anyparticular application will depend on various factors including, forexample, user demand, Internet traffic conditions, network routercapacity and performance, etc. Each such IPD Server 11 is assigned astatic IP address and a common domain name on the Internet according tothe Domain Name System (DNS) well known in the art. Data synchronizationamong such databases can be achieved using conventional datasynchronization techniques well known in the art. In addition, a backupand mirroring program can be used to maintain data security. Preferably,the synchronized IPD Servers are maintained by a team of networkmanagers under supervision of one or more webmasters.

Notably, the three-field Netscape-style display framework served fromthe IPD Servers 11 hereof to client subsystems 13 employed within theIPI Finding and Serving Subsystem provides a unique and effective way ofsatisfactorily addressing the needs of consumers, hosting retailers,manufacturers and the IPI Provider(s) alike. It is understood, however,that in alternative embodiments of the present invention, it may bedesirable or necessary to refrain from serving “framed” browser displayscreens from the IPD Servers 11 to the client subsystems 13 withoutdetracting from the present invention.

Each IPI Server 12 can be realized by, for example, the PowerMac®8550/200 Internet Server from Apple Computer, Inc., the Origin 200Server or 02 Desktop Workstation from Silicon Graphics, Inc., or anyother computing machine that can perform the function of a Server in aweb-based, client-server type computer system architecture of theillustrative embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, each IPI Server 12 isinterfaced with an ISP 10A in a conventional manner. Each such IPIServer 12 is assigned a static IP address and a unique domain name onthe Internet. Each IPI Server 12 is also provided with (i) Websitedevelopment software for creating HTML-encoded multi-media pages forWebsite development, and (ii) Website server software for supportingHTTP and serving HTML-formatted pages of hypermedia-type Websitescontaining product related information of a multi-media nature. SuchWebsites can be expressed in HTML and/or VRML or any other suitablelanguage which allows for Website construction and Website connectivity.Website management software, such as Adobe® SiteMill™, can be used tomaintain correct hyper-links for any particular. Preferably, the IPIServers 12 are maintained by a team of network managers undersupervision of one or more webmasters.

Each Client Computer Subsystem (hereinafter “client subsystem”) 13 canbe realized by any computing system employing operating system (OS)software (e.g. Macintosh, Windows 95, Windows NT, Unix, etc.) whichsupports an Internet browser program (e.g. Netscape Navigator, MicroSoftInternet Explorer, NCSC's Mosaic, etc.). The operating system shouldalso include: (1) Internet networking software that supports the TCP/IPnetworking protocol (required by HTTP, FTP and the like) and provides aGUl-based Web browser interface; and (2) Electronic Data Interchange(EDI) networking software that supports EDI between two or more clientsubsystems over the VAN-based EDI network 14 illustrated in FIG. 2.Alternatively, client subsystems may also be realized by any of thefollowing systems: (i) a Newton MessagePad 130 (running the Newton 2.0Operating System and NetHopper™ Internet Software); (ii) a Pippin™computer system from Apple Computer, Inc.; (iii) a network computer (NC)that supports the Java™ programming language and Java applets expressedtherewith; (iv) a Sony® WebTV Internet Terminal (supported by the WebTVService provided by WebTV Network, Inc.); or the like. As shown in FIG.1, each Client Computer is interfaced with an ISP 10A in a conventionalmanner. Each such client subsystem may be assigned a static IP addressand a unique domain name on the Internet, or one may be dynamicallyassigned thereto by way of its ISP depending on its connectivity.Optionally, any client subsystem may include Website server software forcreating and maintaining one or more hypermedia-type Websites in amanner well known in the art.

Typically, each client subsystem 13 will be maintained by either presentor future manufacturers, retailers and/or consumers of products, aboutwhich information can be found on the Internet. As shown in FIG. 3A1,any client subsystem of the present invention may be realized as adesktop computer workstation comprising: a processor and memory 19; avisual display monitor 20; a keyboard 21; a GUI mouse 22; and a bar codesymbol reader 23 for reading UPC and other types of bar code symbolsprinted on products, brochures, documents, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 3A2, any Client Computer 13 may also be realized in theform of a Web-based multi-media kiosk, designed for use as a “virtualsales agent” within retail shopping environments. As shown, theWeb-based kiosk of the present invention comprises: a floor, wall orceiling supported housing 25; an omnidirectional laser bar code symbolreader (e.g. Metrologic MS 6720 Laser Scanner) 26 for reading UPC (andother type of) symbols printed on products, brochures, documents and thelike; an active-matrix LCD-type visual display screen 27 for viewingproduct related information automatically displayed thereon in responseto the entry of the UPC numbers scanned into the UPC Number Entry Window21D below the IPI Finder button 21 A of Control Strip 20B displayed onthe client subsystem, as shown in FIG. 3C; a touch-screen type keyboardand pointing device 28 for clicking on anchored links on Web pages,entering information into client subsystem during its use;audio-speakers 29A for supporting multimedia Website that may be visitedwhen using the client subsystem; a color or black/white printer forprinter 29B for printing out Web pages under consumer command during aninformation finding session using the system; and also, one or morefloppy-disc (or otherwise removable) drive units 29C, accessible to theconsumer for recording promotional and trial versions ofinformation-based consumer products (e.g. video an audio recordings,computer software products, and the like) on removable informationstorage media (e.g. 1.44 MB floppy discs, 100 MB Zip® floppy discs, 1 GBJazz® floppy discs, etc.) supplied by either the retailer or consumer.Optionally, the kiosk can be provided with a stereoscopicmicropolarizing LCD panel from Vrex, Inc. of Elmsford, NY so thatmicropolarized spatiallymultiplexed images (SMIs) of 3-D objectsrepresented with VRML-encoded Web pages can be stereoscopicallyperceived by consumers when viewed through either anelectrically-passive polarizing visor structure supported from thehousing of the kiosk, or a pair of polarizing eyeglasses tethered to thekiosk housing and donned by the consumer. Notably, by virtue of itscompact size and low power requirements, this Web-based kiosk can beeasily located in supermarkets, department stores, superstores,home-centers, discount retail outlets, or any other public locationwhere consumer-products are being sold, offered for sale, and/orserviced.

As shown in FIG. 3A3, any Client Computer 13 within the system hereofmay be realized in the form of the Web-based multi-media kiosk 34, alsodesigned for use as a “virtual sales agent” within retail shoppingenvironments. As shown, the Web-based kiosk 34 comprises: anultra-compact housing 35 capable of being supported upon a pair ofsupport rods (35A), a vertical support surface (e.g. wall), a horizontalsupport surface (e.g. countertop), or supported from a ceiling orpedestal; an omnidirectional laser bar code symbol reader (e.g.Metrologic MS 6720 Laser Scanner) 36, modified with handle 36A, forreading UPC (and other type of) symbols printed on products, brochures,documents and the like; an active-matrix LCDtype visual display screen37 for viewing product related information automatically displayedthereon in response to the entry of the UPC numbers scanned into the UPCNumber Entry Window 21D displayed on the client subsystem; atouch-screen type keyboard and pointing device 38 for clicking onanchored links on Web pages, entering information into client subsystemduring its use; audio-speakers 39A for supporting multimedia Websitethat may be visited when using the client subsystem; a color orblack/white printer 39B for printing out Web pages under consumercommand during an information finding session using the system; ascanner support stand 40 with guide flanges 41A and 41B, for guidablyreceiving and supporting the scanner 36 as shown in FIG. 3A3; arecoilable scanner cable 42, dispensed from cable cartridge 43 andguided through hole 44 in a scanner support bridge 40; a telephonehandset 45 and associated communication apparatus for making telephonecalls over a public telecommunications switching network (PSTN)independent of the operation of the Web-browser of the kiosk; and amag-stripe card reader 46 and associated credit transaction terminal forautomatically dialing up consumer credit and like databases over thePSTN (or Internet) upon scanning mag-stripe card 47 through reader 46.Optionally, the kiosk may also include one or more floppy-disc (orotherwise removable) drive units (not shown) accessible to the consumerfor recording promotional and trial versions of information-basedconsumer products (e.g. video an audio recordings, computer softwareproducts, and the like) on removable information storage media (e.g.1.44 MB floppy discs, 100 MB Zips floppy discs, 1 GB Jazz® floppy discs,etc.) supplied by either the retailer or consumer. Also, the kiosk canbe provided with a stereoscopic micropolarizing LCD panel from VRex,Inc. of Elmsford, N.Y. so that micropolarized spatially-multiplexedspatially-multiplexed images (SMIs) of 3-D objects represented withVRML-encoded Web pages can be stereoscopically perceived by consumerswhen viewed through either an electrically-passive polarizing visorstructure supported from the housing of the kiosk, or a pair ofpolarizing eyeglasses tethered to the kiosk housing and donned by theconsumer. Notably, by virtue of its compact size and low powerrequirements, this Web-based kiosk can be easily located insupermarkets, department stores, superstores, home-centers, discountretail outlets, or any other public location where consumer-products arebeing sold, offered for sale, and/or serviced.

As shown in FIG. 3A3, the bar code symbol reader is supported within itssupport stand/bridge 40. In this configuration, the laser scanning fieldof the reader is projected downwardly upon the surface of the LCD touchscreen display panel. By virtue of the angle of tilt of the displaypanel 37 relative to the ground surface of the retail store, and theprojection angle of the laser scanning field relative to the displaypanel surface, will enable the consumer to easy read the bar code symbolon most consumer product by simply presenting the bar code symbol to thescanning window. In the event the product is too large to lift from thefloor to the scanning window, the consumer can simply remove the barcode symbol reader 36 from its support stand 40, as shown in FIG. 3A3′,by pulling cord 42 out of its takeup compartment 43 so that the readeris positioned to read the bar code symbol 49 on the retail consumerproduct 48. When symbol scanning is completed, the bar code symbolreader is lifted back into its stand support position, between supportguides 41A and 41B, white the cord 42 is automatically recoiled backinto storage compartment 43, as shown in FIG. 3A3. While the consumeruses the kiosk to scan UPC (or UPC/EAN) symbols on products, to find,access and display consumer product-related information on the displaypanel 37, he or she may choose or need to use telephone 45 to speak witha manufacturer's representative and engage in electronic commerce,and/or use the magstripe card reader 46 to read magstripe cards (e.g.credit cards) to pay for consumer purchases made over the Internet usingthe kiosk of the present invention. Where the Web-browser of the clientsubsystem 13 is provided with a bar code symbol reader, the consumer mayat particular EC-oriented Websites scan UPC (and/or UPC/EAN) numbers onproducts with his or her home (e.g. in the pantry) in order to remotelyorder products for purchase and direct shipment to the consumer's homeby a particular delivery service. The consumer product informationdelivery system of the present invention shall enable an infinite arrayof applications with regard to electronic commerce and home shopping,now made possible by the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3A4, the Web-enabled kiosk of FIG. 3A3 is modified toinclude a bar code symbol reader having a “cordless-type” scannerinterface, thereby eliminating the need for the communication/scannercable 42 shown in FIG. 3A3. RF-based wireless interfaces, as disclosedin US Letters Patents and Published International Patent Applications,incorporated herein by reference, can be used to realize thiscordless-type scanner interface arranged between the bar code symbolreader 36 and the Web-enabled access terminal integrated within theinformation kiosk. In all other respects, the kiosk shown in FIGS. 3A4and 3A4′ is similar to the kiosk shown in FIGS. 3A3 and 3A3′ anddescribed above.

In FIG. 3A5, a fifth illustrative embodiment of the client computersystem hereof is realized in the form of a consumer product informationaccess terminal integrated within a point-of-sale (POS) station inretail shopping environments. While this embodiment of the clientcomputer system hereof is particularly adapted for use by sales clerksat POS stations, as well as by store employees behind retailinformation/service counters, it may also be used by consumers andshoppers alike provided the necessary accommodations are made asdescribed hereinbelow.

As shown in FIG. 3A5, a client subsystem 13 hereof is realized asconsumer product information access terminal 60 comprising: a POSstation 61 having a cash register computer 61A and keyboard 61B, and aprice/UPC database 61C containing price and UPC number informationtables; an Web-enabled computer terminal 62 connecting the POS station61 to the Internet infrastructure 10 through an ISP 10A; a bar codesymbol reader 63 connected to the POS station 61; a 15′ diagonalactive-matrix LCD panel 64, operably connected to the output of theWeb-enabled computer system 62 and the output of the cash registercomputer 61 A, and having a swivel-base 65 that allows the LCD panel tobe oriented in various viewing positions for displaying consumerproduct-related information accessed from the IPI Registrant Databaseshown in FIGS. 4A1 and 4A2, as well as price information accessed fromthe price/UPC Database 61C. The advantage of this client computersubsystem is that enables a retails sales clerk check out customerpurchases in a conventional manner, and conveniently access the IPIFinding and Serving Subsystem when check-out business is relativelyslow, to answer any questions that consumers may have regarding aparticular product in the retail store. This system will be ideal inretail environments having a high level of customer service and largeretail service staff. In such instances, the IPI Finding and ServingSubsystem hereof empowers retail sales clerks, at the POS counters aswell as customer service counters, by enabling them to quickly accessany item of product related information linked to products in theirstores by manufacturers and their agents.

In alternative embodiments, any Client Computer 13 can be realized as anetwork computer (NC), a Web-TV™ type Internet Terminal, a NewtonMessagePad® PDA, or any other device providing Internet access to theIPI Website (i.e. mirrored IPD Servers) of the present invention.Notably, the same functionalities provided within the Web-based kioskdescribed above can be embodied with such alternative embodiments ofclient computer system.

The Database Structure of the IPD Server

In the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, eachdata-synchronized IPD Server 11 of the preferred embodiment maintains atleast two different relational-type databases, namely: a IPI RegistrantDatabase for storing information about manufacturers whose products areregistered with the system; and a Non-IPI Registrant Database forstoring information about manufacturers whose products are notregistered with the system. A schematic representation of the IPIRegistrant Database is shown in FIG. 4A1, whereas a schematicrepresentation of the Non-IPI Registrant Database is shown in FIG. 4B.

As shown in FIG. 4A1, the relational-type IPI Registrant Databasemaintained by each IPD Server comprises a plurality of labeledinformation fields for each product “registered” therewith, namely: anIPN Information Field for storing information (e.g. numeric oralphanumeric string) representative of the Universal Product Number(e.g. twelve-digit UPC Version A number, eight-digit UPC Version Enumber, thirteen-digit UPC/EAN number, or twelve-digit UPC Version Anumber plus five-digit Add-On Code Segment number frequently used in thepublishing industry) assigned to the consumer product; a Company NameInformation Field for storing information (e.g. numeric or alphanumericstring) representative of the name of the company making, selling ordistributing the corresponding product; a URL Information Field(s) forstoring information (e.g. numeric or alphanumeric string) representativeof the Universal Resource Locator (URL) or Universal Resource Locators(URLs) at which information resource(s) of a multimedia type (e.g.containing both graphical and sound information) can be found on theInternet relating to the corresponding consumer product; a TrademarkInformation Field for storing information (e.g. text and/or alphanumericstrings) representative of each trademark (or Domain Name) used inconnection with the promotion, sale, distribution and/or use of thecorresponding product, and preferably registered with the United StatesPatent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or other governmental orquasi-governmental agency (e.g. INTERNIC or Network Solutions, Inc.); aProduct Description Information Field for storing information (e.g. textstrings) descriptive of the corresponding product; an E-mail AddressInformation Field for storing information (e.g. numeric or alphanumericstring) representative of the e-mail address of the correspondingcompany (e.g. manufacturer) on the Internet; and a Status InformationField for storing information (e.g. numeric or alphanumeric string)representative of whether the company (e.g. manufacturer) associatedregistered product has paid their monthly, quarterly or annualregistration fees associated with registration within the IPD Servers ofthe information finding and serving subsystem hereof. Notably, eachinformation item contained with the information field shown along thesame horizontal line of FIG. 4A1 is related or linked.

In general, the URL stored in the URL Information Field specifies theaddress of an information resource on the Internet (e.g. Web), and thusmay point to any one of the following types of information resources: aHTML document or file on the World Wide Web (expressed in the HyperTextMarkup Language); a single record in a database; the front-end of anInternet program such as Gopher; or the results of a query made usinganother program. In accordance with convention, the syntactic structureof each URL generally comprises: a Protocol Specifier, such as “http”,“ftp”, “gopher”, “news”, or “mail to”, and specifies the type ofresource that the URL is pointing (i.e. connecting) to; a HostIndicator, represented by double slashes “//” if the URL is requestinginformation from a Web Server; Server Name comprising a Internet DomainName (e.g. “www.”), the address of the Web Server (e.g. “ibm.”), and aan designator (e.g. “corn”, “edu”, “int”, “mil”, “net”, “org”, etc.)identifying who owns the server or where it is located; a Path Name,such as “Products/Computers/”, indicating a path to the destinationinformation file on the identified Server; and a Resource Name(including file extension, e.g. “.html”), such as “aptiva.htrnl”,identifying the actual named information file that contains actualinformation resource specified by the URL.

As used herein as well as in the Claims to Invention, the term“registered” and the variants thereof shall be understood to mean listedor having an entry within a database. Such listing or entry can beachieved in a variety of ways including, but not limited to: (i) byspecific request of the associated company or business; or (ii) by thesystem administrator without a request and/or authorization of thecorresponding company or business linked to the product.

Notably, each information item contained within the information fieldshown along the same horizontal line of FIG. 4A1 is automaticallyprovided URLs which are assigned to related products of the registrantwhich may satisfy the goals or objectives of a particular advertisingand/or marketing campaign or product promotion program of the registrantcompany. As it may be desired to relate particular products atparticular points in time, the relationships therebetween can bedynamically changed within the IPI Registrant Database by astraightforward database updating operation carried out by a systemadministrator (or manager) who, in theory, can be located virtuallyanywhere throughout the world. Expectedly, such database updatingoperations would be carried out using appropriate system access andsecurity procedures well known in the art.

Inasmuch as the UPC data structure is presently employed as a universalproduct identifier (i.e. a primary data structure) in a majority ofindustries throughout the world, its twelve-digit numeric string (forUPC Version A) or eight-digit numeric string (for UPC Version E) will bea preferred UPN (in many applications) for purposes of carrying out theprinciples of the present invention. This twelve (12) digithuman-readable number, printed on the bottom of each UPC label (andencoded within the bars and spaces of the UPC label itself), comprises:(i) a six digit manufacturer number assigned to the manufacturer by theUniform Code Council, Inc. (UCC) of Dayton, Ohio, and consisting of aone digit “number system” number and a five digit manufacturer code;(ii) a five digit “product” number assigned to the product by themanufacturer; and (iii) a one digit modulo check digit (mathematicallycalculated) and added to each UPC number to check that the code has beenread correctly by the bar code symbol reader.

In order to provide the requester greater control over what informationis actually displayed on its client subsystem, the URL Information Fieldof the IPI Database shown in FIG. 4A1 contains a number of informationsubfields. As shown in FIG. 4A2, these information subfields comprise: aProduct Advertisement Information Field for storing informationrepresentative of URLs pointing to information on the Internet relatingto advertising and/or promotion of the product; a Product Specification(i.e. Description) Information Field for storing informationrepresentative of URLs pointing to information on the Internet relatingto specifications on the product; a Product Update Information Field forstoring information representative of URLs pointing to information onthe Internet relating to product updates, recalls, notices, etc; aProduct Distributor (e.g. Wholesaler and/or Resaler) Information Fieldfor storing information representative of URLs pointing to informationon the Internet relating to distribution, sale and/or ordering of theproduct; a Product Warranty/Servicing Information Field for storinginformation representative of URLs pointing to information on theInternet relating to warranty, extended warranty offerings, servicingand maintenance of the product; a Product Incentive Information Field(e.g. rebates, discounts and/or coupons) for storing informationrepresentative of URLs pointing to information on the Internet relatingto rebates, discounts and sales on the product; a Product ReviewInformation Field for storing information representative of URLspointing to information on the Internet relating to reviews, analysis,testing, inspection and/or comparison of the product; and MiscellaneousInformation Field(s) for storing information representative of URLspointing to information on the Internet relating to miscellaneousaspects of the product (e.g., direct product sales on the WWW, productinstallation/set-up and operating manuals, company reports (10Ks, annualreports, etc.), and the like. Each URL symbolically linked to aUPC-labeled product registered in the Registered IPI Database iscategorized within one or more of these URL categories.

The list of URLs recordable in the IPI Registrant Database for eachregistered UPC-labeled product is virtually unlimited. Below are just afew examples of how the IPI Finding and Serving Subsystem hereof can beused as a virtual sales agent that provides value-added services toconsumers, retailers and the like.

For each CD sound recording, the URL list may contain a URL that pointsto a promotional QuickTime® video recording or the like on the WWW forreviewing and evaluation by the consumer. The promotional song can be bya commissioned or endorsing artist, as is typically done in conventionaladvertising programs. The same can be done for video recordings on tapeand digital video discs (DVDs). The URL may also provide the consumerwith a down-loadable trial version of the product for a limited timeperiod.

For each computer software product, the URL list may contain a URL thatpoints to a multi-media clip on the WWW that provides a demonstration ofthe solutions that the software product provides, as well as thefunctions and development tools that it enables. It may also provide theconsumer with a down-loadable version of the software product for atime-limited trial period.

For electronic consumer products, the URL list may contain a URL thatpoints to a multi-media clip on the WWW that provides an audio-visualdemonstration of the product in various user environments. Also, the URLcan contain a URL that points to a Web-based Specification Sheet thatcan printed out in a retail environment, at home, work or on the road.

For groceries and like articles, the URL list may contain a URL thatpoints to a multi-media clip on the WWW that provides a QuickTime® videorecording or the like of the product, illustrating various cookingrecipes and uses to which the product can be put. Also, the URL cancontain a URL that points to a Web-based Discount Coupon that can beprinted out in the store, at home or work.

For toys, the URL list may contain a URL that points to a multi-mediaclip on the WWW that provides an audio-visual demonstration of the toyalong with promotional endorsements by the various characters used inits advertising campaign.

For clothing, garments, or accessories (e.g. wearing apparel), the URLlist may contain a URL that points to a multi-media clip on the WWW thatprovides an QuickTime® video recording or the like of the clothing,garments, and/or accessories being modeled by stunning fashion models.Ideally, such video recordings, linked to particular articles of wearingapparel by their UPC number, can be used to extend and augment theadvertising campaign being carried out in other forms of media (e.g.Television, radio, print, billboards, etc.).

Preferably, the manufacturer, its marketing personnel and advertisingagents will actively participate in the creation of the product relatedinformation resources, as well as the placement of their URLs into theabove-defined (or like) URL categories maintained within the Database ofthe IPI Finding and Serving Subsystem hereof. Also, using theManufacturer/Product Registration Subsystem hereof, manufacturers and/ortheir agents can easily link their UPNs (e.g. UPC and/or EANs) with suchURLs and manage the same in a dynamic manner to ensure that productrelated information on the Internet is accurately linked to the UPNs ofthe manufacturer's products. Through such active participation, thebusiness objectives of any particular manufacturer or retailer can bepromoted by way of the IPI Finding and Serving Subsystem of the presentinvention. In this way, the information requesting consumer requestinginformation is provided with only the kinds of product-relatedinformation which he or she seeks.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the Non-IPI Registrant Database maintained by eachIPD Server comprises a plurality of labeled information fields for eachproduct that is not currently registered with the IPD Server, namely: anIPSN (i.e. IPN) information Field for storing information (e.g. numericor alphanumeric string) representative of the Universal Product Number(e.g. a UPC number from a UPC numbering system, or an EAN numberingsystem) assigned to the non-registered product; a Company NameInformation Field for storing information (e.g. numeric or alphanumericstring) representative of the name of the company making, selling ordistributing the corresponding non-registered product; a TrademarkInformation Field for storing information (e.g. text and/or alphanumericstrings) representative of each trademark used in connection thepromotion, sale, distribution and/or use of the corresponding product,and preferably registered with the USPTO or other governmental agency; aProduct Description Information Field for storing information (e.g. textstrings) descriptive of the corresponding product; and an E-mail AddressInformation Field for storing information (e.g. numeric or alphanumericstring) representative of the e-mail address of the correspondingcompany (e.g. manufacturer) on the Internet; a Status Information Fieldfor storing information (e.g. numeric or alphanumeric string)representative of whether the company associated non-registered producthas been solicited by the IPD Server, and on what dates registrationsolicitation has occurred. Notably, each information item contained withthe information field shown along the same horizontal line of FIG. 4A1is related or linked. The information required to construct the Non-IPIRegistrant Database shown in FIG. 4B can be readily obtained from anumber of commercially or publicly available information sources (e.g.,the Universal Code Council, Inc., Dayton, Ohio; QuickResponse Services,Inc. of Richmond. Calif.; General Electric Information Services (GEIS)of Delaware, Md.; etc.

Constructing the IPI Registrant Database within the IPI Finding andServing Subsystem Hereof

The utility of the product finding functionalities of the IPI Findingand Serving Subsystem hereof depends in large part of the number ofconsumer-products registered with its RDBMS 11A, illustrated in FIG. 2B.In principle, numerous techniques may be employed separately and incombination with each other in order to construct the IPI and Non-IPIRegistrant Databases supported by the network of IPD Servers of thepresent invention. Six such techniques will be detailed below.

According to a first database construction technique, the administratorof the IPI Registrant Database would transmit Product RegistrationRequests (PRRs) in the form of electronic documents to each and everythe manufacturer having been issued, for example, a six digit UPCManufacturer Identification Number (MIN) by the UCC, Inc. Suchelectronic documents can be transmitted using conventional MIMEprotocols such as, for example, STMP. The Product Registration Requestdocument would seek to ascertain from the manufacturers the variousinformation items (including the menu of URLs) identified in the IPIRegistrant Database of FIG. 4A1. In response to the Product RegistrationRequest, each solicited manufacturer would send back to theadministrator of the IPI Registrant Database (for each of its consumerproducts) its UPC number and a menu of URLs indicating the location ofthe information resources identified in the Product Registration Requestdocument. This information can then be used to readily construct the IPIRegistrant Database of the illustrative embodiment.

According to a second database construction technique, a globaladvertising campaign would be launched (over various media) in order tosolicit the various information elements identified in the IPIRegistrant Database of FIG. 4A1 and thus register the products of themanufacturers selling UPC-labeled products. Preferably, such informationwould be collected by way of an electronic document transfer subsystemset-up to cooperate with the system of the present invention in order tofacilitate database construction operations.

According to a third database construction technique, the IPI systemitself would continuously solicit consumer product registrations overtime in order to collect information from companies responding favorablyto the solicitations. While such solicitation efforts can involve theissuance of product registration requests using various types of media,it is preferred that the information collection operations are carriedout using electronic document transfer techniques described hereinabove.

According to a fourth database construction technique, a number ofcommercial on-line Internet search engines, such as Altavista™, Yahoo™,WebCrawler™, Lycos™, Excite™, as well as powerful off-lineparallel-processing search engines, would be enlisted to analyze (i.e.mine) information on the World Wide Web in order to collect and link theinformation elements specified in the IPI Registrant Database of FIG.4A1.

Once an “initial” IPI Registrant Database has been constructed using anyone or more of the four database construction techniques describedhereinabove, manufacturers registered therewith can be periodicallycontacted using Web-based electronic document (i.e. message) transfertechniques in order to request updating and confirmation of the UPN/URLlistings contained within the database of the IPI subsystem of thepresent invention.

According to a fifth database and preferred construction technique ofthe present invention, the Registrant IPI Database of the system wouldbe initially “seeded” with several items of information obtained andrelated without the assistance of manufacturers of UPC-labeled products.Such information items include: (1) the six digit UPC ManufacturerIdentification Numbers encoded in the UPC symbols (and numbers) appliedto the products of such UCC-registered manufacturers; and (2) the URLsof the Web home pages of such manufacturers.

The first step of this database construction method involves obtainingthe six digit Manufacturer Identification Numbers (MINs) uniquely issuedto manufacturers by the Uniform Code Council, Inc. of Dayton, Ohio. SuchMINs can be obtained from various commercial sources including GEInformation Services, QuickResponse Services, Inc., as well as the UCC.At present, about 180,000 Manufacturer Identification Numbers have beenissued to manufacturers by the UCC. A string of six zeros (i.e. 000000)may be added to each one of these 180,000 or so six digit ManufacturerIdentification Numbers in order to produce 180,000 or so 12 digitnumbers (i.e. hereinafter referred to as “Manufacturer's ReferenceNumbers) for the 180,000 or so manufacturers listed in the IPIRegistrant Database under construction. As each such ManufacturerReference Number has the same length as a UPC number of itsmanufacturer, this number can be conveniently thought of as the“Manufacturer Reference UPC Number” which can be stored in the UPNInformation Field of the Database along with the correspondingmanufacturers name being stored in the Company Name Information Field.

The second step of the method involves finding the URL of the Web homepage of each of the 180,000 manufacturers who have been assigned aManufacturers Identification Code and are listed in the Database. SuchURL information can be found using a number of available techniques: (i)using a commercially available search engine to search the WWW in orderto find the URL of the home page of each manufacturer's Website, if ithas one, using the name and address thereof obtained during the firststep above; or (ii) using a commercially available (INTERNIC-enabled)Domain Name search service that uses the names and addresses of themanufacturers (obtained during the first step above) in order todetermine whether a particular manufacturer has a registered domain nameon the Internet, and if so, is the domain name being actively used in aURL that points to the home page of the manufacturer's Website. Onceobtained, such URLs are then added to the IPI Database, along with thee-mail and/or other address of the manufacturer symbolically linkedthereto (if available).

Having constructed the “seeded” Database, it can then be used to connectthe client subsystem of users to the home page of Websites ofmanufacturers of particular products. Initially, when an Internet userprovides the UPC number of a particular product as input to the InputBox of the HTML form displayed in the information display frame of theclient subsystem (e.g. when operated in its Manufacturer Website SearchMode), then the IPD Server need only compare the first six digits of theentered UPC number against the first six-digits of the ManufacturerReference UPC Numbers (i.e. Manufacture Identification Numbers) listedin the “seeded” Database. The corresponding (home-page) URL of thematching manufacturer is returned to the client subsystem C_(a) fordisplay. In instances of an initially seeded Database, in which only the“Manufacturer Reference UPC Numbers” are listed therein, the requestingclient subsystems are provided with the URLs of the home pages of thesymbolically linked manufacturers. Then as manufacturers begin toregister their consumer products with the system (e.g. in response tomass e-mailings, advertisements and/or marketing and promotionalefforts, etc.), the IPD Database will return a menu of “hot-linked”URLs, for each registered product, pointing to various types ofproduct-related information resources on the Internet (described above)that can be easily accessed by simply clicking thereon in a conventionalmanner. Over time, Manufacturer Reference UPC Numbers and the URLs ofthe “home pages” of such manufacturers will become replaced by the UPCnumbers of registered products and the menu of URLs on the WWWsymbolically linked thereto by the manufacturers, thereby allowingconsumers and users of the system to precisely pinpoint consumerproduct-related information on the WWW which has been specified by themanufacturer, its marketing department and/or advertising agency. Withmanufacturer's and advertiser's participation and feedback, theinitially seeded Database described hereinabove will quickly grow into arobust relational database richly filled with the various informationitems described in FIGS. 4A1 and 4A2, including the symbolically linkedUPCs and URLs that point to very specific consumer product relatedinformation resources (i.e. files) stored within IPI Servers of thesystem located across the global expanse of the Internet.

According to a sixth database construction technique of the presentinvention, the Registrant IPI Database of the system would beconstructed by allowing each manufacturer to construct a limited orrestricted version of the master UPN/URL Database (i.e. Registrant IPIDatabase) of the system, wherein only UPC-encoded products of theregistered manufacturer and Web-based information items related theretoare entered into the database. As will be described in greater detailherebelow in connection with the third method of Product Registration inthe subsystem hereof, the creation of such limited-version UPN/URLdatabases can be carried out by providing each registered manufacturerwith a computer program that allows its administrators to construct andmanage a limited UPN/URL database in a “turn-key” manner. Also, from itsWebsite, the manufacturer can serve the limited UPN/URL database overthe Internet to consumers. As part of the registration process, eachregistered manufacturer transmits its limited UPN/URL database toWeb-server 30 which then integrates all such databases in order toupdate the master UPN/URL Database (IPI Registrant Database) of thesystem.

Overview of Modes of Operation for IPI Finding and Serving Subsystem

In order to enter a primary mode of operation of the IPI Finding andServing Subsystem, the consumer or retail sales clerk selects aparticular mode activation button (e.g. 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D or 21E)displayed in the control frame 21B of the GUI browser program at therequesting client subsystem 13. Upon making the selection, the Webbrowser at the client subsystem 13 automatically requests a particularHTML-encoded form (typically residing on the IPD Server(s) 11). ThisHTML form corresponds to the selected mode of operation, and isdisplayed within the information display frame 20C of the Web browser ofthe requesting client subsystem. The HTML-encoded form corresponds tothe selected mode and is linked to a CGI-script related to the selectedmode and possibly to other HTML forms required to carry out thedatabase-access and/or management process associated therewith. Therequesting client subsystem then enters the information requested by theHTML form displayed within the information display frame 20C of the Webbrowser's GUI interface. Information entry into the HTML form can becarried out using bar code symbol reading equipment, keyboard or keypad,speech dictation equipment (by Dragon Systems, Inc. of Newton,Massachusetts), and the like.

In general, the particular messages which will be displayed within theHTML forms during any particular mode of operation will depend uponseveral factors namely: whether the IPI Website is intended for accessby bar code driven kiosks (i.e. client subsystems 13) as shown, forexample, in FIGS. 3A2, 3A3, 3A4, and 3A5 located within retailenvironments; or whether the IPI Website is intended for access bydesktop, laptop and palmtop client computer systems 13 as shown, forexample, in FIG. 3A1 located at home, in the office or on the road.

For example, if the IPI Website supported by the IPI Finding and ServingSubsystem hereof is intended for access by bar code driven kiosks, thenthe HTTP documents related to the IPI Website will be particularlyadapted to facilitate the use of bar code symbol reader at the clientsubsystem. This way UPNs (e.g. UPC or EAN symbols) can be easily enteredinto the subsystem without manual key-entry operations. In contrast, ifthe IPI Website supported by the IPI Finding and Serving Subsystemhereof is intended for access by client subsystems not having bar codesymbol readers (e.g. Web-enabled computer systems at home, in the officeor on the road), then the HTTP documents related to the IPI Website willbe particularly adapted to facilitate the use of data-entry displayscreens at the client subsystem. This way, UPNs (e.g. UPC or EANsymbols) can be easily entered into the subsystem using bar code symbolscanners avoiding manual key-entry operations. In the illustrativeembodiment, bar code-code driven and manual data-entry IPI Websites areserved from a “framed” GUI interface, in which the control strip 21B hasfive (5) Check Boxes 21A through 21E described above which enables theconsumer, retail sales/service personnel as well as manufacturers toselect the particular mode of operation that suits his or her consumerproduct information needs at any particular instance in time.

Manufacturer/Product Registration Mode Of Operation

Referring to FIG. 5A, the high level structure is shown for acommunication protocol that can be used among a client subsystem C_(a),an IPD Server Sb, and an IPI Server Sc of the IPI finding and servingsubsystem hereof when it is induced into the Manufacturer/ProductRegistration Mode of operation from the point of view of the depictedclient subsystem. FIG. 6A provides a high level flow chart illustratingthe steps involved in carrying out this communication protocol when theIPI Finding and Serving Subsystem is in its Manufacturer/ProductRegistration Mode of operation.

As indicated at Block A in FIG. 6A, when selected from theuser-interface of an IPI Website, the first Check Box type button 21Aautomatically activates the Manufacturer/Product Registration Mode ofthe IPI Finding and Serving Subsystem by sending an HTTP request to theIPD Server(s) 11 based on a URL hot-linked to the selected Check Box. Asindicated at Block B in FIG. 6A, this causes a HTML-encoded documentresiding on the IPD Server(s) 11 to be served from the HTTP Serverthereof to requesting client subsystem for display on the informationdisplay frame 20C thereof. The HTML document of the illustrativeembodiment displays several types of information relevant to theManufacturer/Product Registration Mode, namely: eligibility requirements(i.e. qualifications) for a manufacturer to register with the IPIFinding and Serving Subsystem; optional ways of registering consumerproducts and product-related information with the Manufacturer/ProductRegistration Subsystem hereof 33; ways of acquiring computer softwarenecessary for managing consumer product-related information (e.g. UPNs,URLs, trademarks and product descriptors) on a particular computingplatform using EDI techniques supported by the Manufacturer/ProductRegistration Subsystem 33; etc; and one or more Check Boxes embodyinglinks (i.e. anchors) to HTML documents, CGI scripts and the likedesigned to facilitate this mode of operation. Notably, at least one ofthese HTML documents will be located on the Web Document Server 30 ofthe Manufacturer/Product Registration Subsystem 33, providingmanufacturers (and/or their designated information-managers and agents)with a point of entry into the manufacturer/product registration processhereof. As indicated at Block C in FIG. 6A, the manufacturer and or itsagent follow the instructions displayed on the HTML document, linking tothe Web Document Server 30 of the Manufacturer/Product RegistrationSubsystem 33 and filling out the various HTML forms transmitted to therequesting client subsystem, downloading Web-based EDI software forUPN/URL management; and the like. While carrying out registration ofmanufacturers with the subsystem is relatively straightforward, thereare a number of different ways of carrying out the Product RegistrationMode of the subsystem. These alternative techniques will be describedbelow.

The first method illustrated in FIG. 2 involves by carrying out FTPbetween a client subsystem of the registering manufacturer (or itsagent) M_(i) and an IPD Server in order to update the IPI RegistrantDatabase associated therewith. This can be carried out by themanufacturer's officer or agent surfing to the IPI Website, selectingthe “Product Registration Mode” from the control strip, and thenfollowing the instructions displayed on the various screens of theWebsite in this mode. When using the first method, product UPCs, URLsand other information elements can be formatted within suitable ProductRegistration Forms and transmitted by FTP from the client subsystem orDatabase Server of a registering manufacturer to the IPD Server 11 sothat the IPI Registrant Database thereof can be updated accordingly. Thefirst method will be desirable typically when registering a fewconsumer-products.

The second method illustrated in FIG. 2A, involves first carrying outEDI between a client subsystem of the registering manufacturer (or itsagent) and the UPN/URL Database Subsystem 9, and then carrying out FTPor SMTP between the client subsystem and an IPD Server in order toupdate the IPI Registrant Database maintained therein. The second methodwill be desirable when a manufacturer needs or desires to register alarge number of consumer-products. The details of these informationtransmission methods will be described below.

When using the second method, conventional EDI protocols can be used totransmit product UPCs, URLs and other information elements from clientsubsystems or Database Servers of manufacturers to the UPN/URL DatabaseSubsystem 9 of the present invention. FTP can be used to transmit UPCsand URLs from the UPN/URL Database Subsystem to each IPD Server in thesystem so that the IPI Registrant Database thereof can be updatedaccordingly. Once registered with the system using either of thesemethods in the Product Registration Mode, such consumer-products can beeasily found on the Internet by anyone wishing to use the productfinding techniques of the present invention.

The third method involves by carrying out electronic documentinterchange over the Internet between the WebDox Remote™ Computer System13 and the WebDox™ Server 30 of the system of the present invention, andcommunication between the WebDox™ Server 30 and the WebDox™ Admincomputer system 31 of the system hereof. The various steps involved inthis embodiment of the consumer product registration process will bedescribed in detail below.

When the manufacturer selects the “Product Registration Mode” of thesystem, a Manufacturer Registration Form is automatically downloadedfrom the WebDox™ Server 30 to the Manufacturer's client computer system13 (i.e. the WebDox Remote™ Computer System). At the end of thedownloading process, a Manufacturer Registration Form is presented (i.e.displayed) and the manufacturer then enters some requestedidentification information (e.g. Manufacturer's Company Name, Address,Name of CEO and President, phone number, 6-digit ManufacturerIdentification Number assigned by the UCC, etc.) and presses the “Send”button on the Manufacturer Registration Form. The form is thentransmitted immediately via the Internet and received by the WebDox™Server 30. At the WebDox™ Server 30, an automated process takes theinformation in the Manufacturer Registration Form and registers theManufacturer with the system.

Upon registering the manufacturer with the system, the manufacturer isasked to select which version of “customized” WebDox Remote™ software(i.e. the UPN/URL Registration Application) the manufacturer would likedownloaded to its client computer system 13 (e.g. WebDox Remote withUPN/URL Database and CGI for MacOS WebServer, WebDox Remote with UPN/URLDatabase and CGI for UNIX Web Server, or WebDox Remote with UPN/URLDatabase and CGI for NT Web Server). Once the manufacturer makes itsselection, the customized WebDox Remote software is automaticallydownloaded to the manufacturer's client computer system 13. Thisdownloaded software includes a computer program that automaticallygenerates (on the manufacturer's) client subsystem, a relationaldatabase management system (RDBMS) which allows the manufacturer (or itsagents) to easily construct and maintain a UPN/URL database (akin tothat specified in FIG. 4A1) but restricted to containing informationrelating only to the manufacturer's products. Thus, when themanufacturer attempts to enter a UPC number into the manufacturer'sUPN/URL database that does not contain the 6-digit ManufacturerIdentification Number assigned to the manufacturer by the UCC, the RDBMSautomatically blocks all such information entries. Consequently, theUPN/URL database can only maintain information pertaining to theregistered manufacturer's products and information relating thereto onthe Internet. As the manufacturer adds or removes products from itsretail or wholesale line, the database administrator simply adds orremoves the UPC and URL information relating thereto from the RDBMS. Aswill be described in greater detail hereinafter, such database changesare periodically transmitted to the WebDox™ Server 30 so that the IPIRegistrant Database (i.e. master UPN/URL database) of the system(maintained on the IPD Servers thereof) can be updated in a timelymanner.

Preferably, the limited or restricted version of the UPN/URL databasemaintained by each registered manufacturer on its client subsystem 13 isconnected to the manufacturer's Internet Server 12′ by a Common GatewayInterface program (CGI) 40, or other suitable means, as shown in FIG. 2.In this way, the manufacturer's limited version of the UPN/URL databasecan be made accessible to consumers world-wide from the manufacturer'sWebsite which, in the illustrative embodiment, is assumed hosted on anInternet information server 12′ that is similar to an IPI Server 12described in detail hereinabove. In order to simply the process ofserving of the manufacturer's limited-version of the UPN/URL database onthe WWW, it is preferred that the CGI 40, and input and output forms andmethods for searching and the displaying the results from thelimited-version UPN/URL database are predesigned for use withmanufacturer's Internet Server 12′ (taking into consideration itsoperating system and the like). This way, prior to registration themanufacturer need only make a selection of the type of customized WebDoxRemote software it needs for its computing and Internet servingplatform(s). Then, during software download, the WebDox Server 30 simplytransmits the suitable version of the customized WebDox Remote softwareto the manufacturer so that it can create, maintain and serve (on theWWW) its limited version of the UPN/URL database in a “turn-key” manner.

In the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the homepage ofeach registered manufacturer's Website will display a visuallyconspicuous radio button labeled “UPC Request™ Product Finder” or thelike. Moreover, whenever a consumer attempts to search themanufacturer's limited-version UPN/URL database for products notregisterable to the manufacturer (i.e. using UPC numbers not containingthe manufacturer's 6-digit UCC Manufacturer Identification Number), thelimited-version of the UPN/URL database will automatically display anHTML-encoded message from the manufacturer's Website, urging theconsumer to surf to the IPI Registrant Database of the system(maintained on the network of IPD servers 11). Preferably, suchHTML-encoded messages will have a hot-linked URL (i.e. anchor) toWebsite(s) providing consumer access to the “master” UPN/URL database.

The WebDox Remote™ computer system 13 available to each registeredmanufacturer has both online and offline modes of operation. In theoffline mode, the manufacturer responds to a UPN/URL RegistrationRequest from the WebDox™ Server in the following manner. First theWebDox Remote™ software analyzes the limited-version of the UPN/URLdatabase that it has been currently created and maintained by themanufacturer or its designee. Thereafter, the WebDox softwareautomatically creates a UPN/URL Registration Response document whichcontains a set of currently active URLs specifying the address locationof Web-based information resources associated with each UPC-encodedproduct of the manufacturer. Then, WebDox Remoter program establishes anInternet connection with the WebDox™ Server, through a “Get/Send Mail”option. This delivers the UPN/URL Registration Response (document) tothe WebDox™ Server 30 and retrieves any documents which are waitingthereat for the manufacturer. These new documents are listed by WebDoxRemote™ program and presented in the In basket of the manufacturer'sWebDox Remote™ computer system 13.

In the online mode, WebDox Remoter (under the control of the FormApplication) can also send UPN/URL Registration Request documentsimmediately. For very sensitive applications (i.e. Just-in-Time), thisensures that the UPN/URL Registration Response document is received atthe WebDOX™ Server 30 the moment that the manufacturer completes thedocument.

In general, the WebDox™ Server 30 provides a high-volume documentprocessing and mailboxing environment between the WebDox Server and theWebDox Remote™ system of each registered manufacturer. WebDox™ Server 30performs: permanent storage and tracking of all UPN/URL RegistrationRequest documents sent and UPN/URL Registration Response documentsreceived; automatic reconciliation of acknowledgments from WebDoxRemoter™ program; Automatic creation of user-friendly receipt messagesto the manufacturer; “mailboxing” of outbound UPN/URL Registrationdocuments for retrieval by manufacturer; and automatic manufacturer andprofile creation based on forms received from manufacturers. The WebDox™Server 30 consists of online components that run as extensions toMicrosoft's Internet Information Server (IIS) using the ISAPI interface.This provides higher performance and lower hardware requirements than aconventional CGI Web Interface. Processing intensive tasks are performedasynchronously from the Web server. An integrated queuing anddispatching system manages the processing of documents and interactionwith the corresponding application. For large volume situations, theWebDox™ Server components can be deployed on different machines, theWebDox™ Server components (ISAPI extensions) on one machine, theprocessing components and database on another machine.

Data for UPN/URL Registration Request documents to be sent tomanufacturers is extracted from the IPI Registrant Database using aninterface or utility program. The document data (e.g. information fieldsassociated with UPN/URL registration) can then be accepted by WebDox ina direct manner after formatting. The UPN/URL Registration Requestdocument should be formatted to a file structure created during thedesign of the UPN/URL Registration Application. The WebDox™ Server 30then converts the application data into a UPN/URL Registration requestdocument (i.e. data package). The data package for each manufacturer isthen stored (as a message) in an assigned Mailbox of the WebDox™ Server30. These messages are then available to be retrieved by the registeredmanufacturers using WebDox Remote's™ “Get/Send Mail” feature.

As discussed above, the WebDox Remote™ program transmits messages (e.g.UPN/URL Registration Response documents) to the WebDox™ Server 30,where, after passing security checks, they are placed in the WebDoxMailbox system. Incoming (document) messages are received from theMailbox, processed, and converted into data files for direct transfer tothe database management system handling the IPI Registrant Database.

For each document received, the WebDox™ Server 30 will return a messageto the manufacturer confirming receipt of the document. WebDox Remote™system also returns delivery confirmations to the WebDox Server. Thesemessages are used by the WebDox™ Server to track the status of messages.WebDox™ Server 30 maintains Mailbox Files for all inbound and outboundmessages. The status of messages is updated on an ongoing basis asacknowledgement messages are received allowing timely and preciseaudits.

WebDox Admin™ Computer system 31 provides an easy-to-use tool to managethe community of manufacturers, review the status of documents, andconfigure the WebDox™ Server 30, including: ad hoc maintenance ofmanufacturer information; online display of the Mailbox permittinginquiry into document status or document activity for particularmanufacturers, and the ability to reset document status; creation andmaintenance of UPN/URL Registration Profiles; preparation of “releases”of new and updated UPN/URL Registration Applications; Distribution ofnew and updated UPN/URL Registration Applications; and automaticinventory and tracking of UPN/URL Registration Applications distributedto manufacturers.

In the preferred embodiment, UPN/URL Registration Application design anddevelopment is carried out on a Windows 95 or NT workstation. TheUPN/URL Registration Application is developed, tested, and then fullyimplemented for production with manufacturers. New or updated UPN/URLRegistration Applications are registered with the WebDox Admin™ computersystem 31 and are then distributed to the manufacturers as describedherein above.

In the preferred embodiment, UPN/URL Registration Applications aredeveloped using Microsoft Visual Basic™ and related software tools.These products provide rapid design and creation of the screen-basedforms that the manufacturer uses. In addition, the “intelligence” behindthe form, in the UPN/URL Registration Application, can be very powerful,making the manufacturer's work easier while ensuring that the user andServer application receive high quality data.

The WebDox Admin™ system handles the distribution of UPN/URLRegistration Applications to manufacturers. New UPN/URL RegistrationApplications can be sent to some or all of the existing manufacturersassigned UPC Manufacturer Identification Numbers. Updates to UPN/URLRegistration Applications can be sent to manufacturers who are currentlyusing that UPN/URL Application. The actual update is distributed bysending a small notification message to each manufacturer, which thenresults in the remote site downloading the new forms from the WebDox™Server 30, as hereinbefore described above.

Manufacturer Website Search Mode Of Operation

Referring to FIG. 5B, the high level structure is shown for acommunication protocol that can be used among a client subsystem C_(a),an IPD Server Sb, and an IPI Server Sc of the IPI finding and servingsubsystem hereof when it is induced into the Manufacturer Website SearchMode of operation from the point of view of the depicted clientsubsystem. FIG. 6B provides a high level flow chart illustrating thesteps involved in carrying out this communication protocol when the IPIFinding and Serving Subsystem is in its Manufacturer Website Search Modeof operation.

As indicated at Block A in FIG. 6B, when selected from theuser-interface of a bar-code driven IPI Website, the second Check Boxtype button 21B automatically activates the Manufacturer Website SearchMode of the IPI Finding and Serving Subsystem by sending an HTTP requestto the IPD Server(s) 11 based on a URL hot-linked to the selected CheckBox.

As indicated at Block B in FIG. 6B, this causes a particular type ofHTML-encoded document (i.e. called an “HTML form” or “Web formdocument”) residing on the IPD Server(s) 11 to be sent to the Webbrowser of the requesting client subsystem 13 and displayed on theinformation display frame 20C thereof (requesting this mode of service).As in the Manufacturer Website Search Mode described above, the HTMLform sent in the Manufacturer Website Search Mode may also use any HTMLformat commands, such as headers, paragraphs, and lists, but mustinclude three unique items, namely: the METHOD by which the user inputis to be sent; the ACTION, which specifies a URL to which the user inputis to be sent, presumably, a CGI script within CGI 11B that will actupon the request appropriately; and a SUBMIT button, to send thecompleted form over the Internet via HTTP. In the illustrativeembodiment, user input (i.e. a UPC or EAN number associated with aparticular consumer product) is obtained by an Input Box, which allowsthe user (i.e. retail sales clerk or consumer) to type in or scan in aUPC or EAN number assigned to a consumer product on which productrelated information is sought.

As indicated at Block C in FIG. 6B, the consumer or retail clerk scansthe bar coded consumer product, or enters the UPC or EAN number thereoninto the Input Box of the HTML form, and selects the SUBMIT buttonthereon. In response thereto, the Web browser on the client subsystem 13sends a GET request to the HTTP Server 11C of the IPD Server 11. Whenselecting the SUBMIT button on the HTML form, the Web browser executesthe METHOD associated with the HTML form and sends the stored UPC (orEAN) value to the URL specified by ACTION associated with the HTML form(i.e. the Web browser performs the action specified in the ACTION). TheACTION of the HTML form specifies the URL of the CGI script within CGI11B that will process the request from the HTML form. This amounts tothe Web browser constructing a GET request for that URL, with thearguments (the query string) being attached to the end of the URL. Thearguments of the HTML form are specified by the INPUT items of the HTMLform (i.e. the UPC or EAN number on the consumer product on whichinformation is sought).

In general, the HTTP and HTML protocols provide three ways to pass theinput (e.g. UPC or EAN number) from the users to scripts on the IPDServer 11 (i.e. HTTP Server). All three methods accomplish the samething: they allow the Web browser to pass information to a script on theIPD Server 11. A script may use any of the three methods, and somereally robust Web gateways (CGI) 11B are able to deal with Web clients13 that use any of the three methods. The way these methods areimplemented on the HTTP Server 11 depends on the specific operatingsystem that it uses, and is defined as part as the system-specific CGI11B. The same HTML form used in this mode might cause completelydifferent things to happen on two different servers, but it wouldproduce the same result for the user.

The first method, used in the illustrative embodiment, passes thescanned UPC or EAN number (input) as part of a GET request, attached tothe end of the URL after a question mark “?”. This convention means thatwhat follows the “?” is a query, and (on a UNIX-based server) is copiedinto the environment variable QUERY_STRING onto the HTTP Server 11Cbefore calling the CGI script. When the script executes, it gets thequery string from this environment variable. The query string consistsof a series of terms, each of which is a name and a value, e.g.EAN=9781558603769, having a single term and single value. In the casewhere the query string consists of two or more terms, then each term isseparated by the character :“&”.

The second way that the scanned UPC or EAN number can be sent from theWeb browser of the client subsystem 13 to the HTTP Server 11C is with apath extension. In this convention, the client subsystem sends a GETrequest for the URL of the Web script 11B, with the extra informationattached to the URL as if it were part of a longer name. The HTTP (http)program 11B discovers this extra path and calls the script with theenvironment variable PATH_INFO set to the extra characters.

The third way to pass information to the server is through the POSTmethod. When used with a script, the input UPC or EAN number from theHTML form is sent from the Web browser of the client subsystem 13 to theHTTP Server 11C as an HTTP object. This means that the client subsystemmay send information to the HTTP Server 11C in the same way as the HTTPserver sends the information to the client subsystem, which could be afull HTML document. When the POST method is used on a UNIX-based system,the information from the Web browser of the client subsystem is passedto the Web script 11B through standard input, rather than an environmentvariable.

The above three ways of passing information from users of clientsubsystems 13 to the CGI scripts 11B on the IPD Server 11 of the systemhereof are specified in the HTML, HTTP and CGI standards, and depend onthe specific operating system that the HTTP Server 11B. The details ofhow the CGI script must be written and how the input UPC or EAN numberfrom the HTML form is received are drastically different for Macintosh,Microsoft Windows NT, and the UNIX platforms. All of the eventsdescribed above must happen on each of these platforms, but the way theyhappen is completely different on different computing platforms. Thesedifferences are specified in the CGI standard for each operating system.These differences should not be apparent to the Web browser program ofthe client subsystems or the users thereof, but will matter to thecreators of the CGI script 11B.

As indicated at Block D in FIG. 6C, the HTTP (http) program 11C passingthe arguments (the UPC or EAN numbers in the query string) to the CGIprogram 11B and the CGI script translates the query string into a properquery for use in searching the RDBMS 11A of the IPD Server 11.

As indicated at Block E in FIG. 6C, the translated query is used tosearch the RDBMS 11A in order to find the set of URLs pointing to HTMLdocuments (i.e. Web Pages) published on the Internet and containinginformation relating to the consumer product having the input UPC or EANnumber. The result returned from the RDBMS 11A is an ASCII recordspecifying the set of URLs pointing to HTML documents published on theInternet and containing information relating to the consumer producthaving the input UPC or EAN number entered into the HTML form. In orderfor the Web browser of the requesting client subsystem to display theresults of the database search using the UPC or EAN input, the ASCIIrecord must be converted into a HTML document (i.e. output HTML form).

As indicated at Block F in FIG. 6B, the CGI 11C creates the elements ofan output HTML form (Web output form), inserts the result from the RDBMS11A into the output form, and sets the content-type to be text/html. TheCGI script may translate, filter, augment and reformat the result fromthe database search in any way so long as the result is an HTML documentor some format that the Web browser of the client subsystem can display.

As indicated at Block G, the menu of URLs retrieved from the databasesearch is displayed in the Web output form. At Block H, the consumer orretail sales clerk can link to a desired consumer product relatedinformation resource (HTML document) by selecting from the informationmenu, the URL anchored to the information resource in the displayedinformation menu.

UPN-Directed Information Access Mode of Operation

Referring to FIG. 5C, the high level structure is shown for acommunication protocol that can be used among a client subsystem C_(a),an IPD Server Sb, and an IPI Server Sc of the IPI finding and servingsubsystem hereof when it is induced into the UPN-Directed InformationAccess Mode of operation from the point of view of the depicted clientsubsystem. FIG. 6C provides a high level flow chart illustrating thesteps involved in carrying out this communication protocol when the IPIFinding and Serving Subsystem is in its UPN-Directed Information AccessMode of operation.

As indicated at Block A in FIG. 6C, when selected from theuser-interface of an IPI Website, the third Check Box type button 21Cautomatically activates the UPN-Directed Information Access Mode of theIPI Finding and Serving Subsystem by sending an HTTP request to the IPDServer(s) 11 based on a URL hot-linked to the selected Check Box.

As indicated at Block B in FIG. 6C, this causes a particular type ofHTML-encoded document (i.e. called an “HTML form” or “Web formdocument”) residing on the IPD Server(s) 11 to be sent to the Webbrowser of the requesting client subsystem 13 and displayed on theinformation display frame 20C thereof (requesting this mode of service).As in the Manufacturer Website Search Mode described above, the HTMLform sent in the UPN-Directed Information Access Mode may also use anyHTML format commands, such as headers, paragraphs, and lists, but mustinclude three unique items, namely: the METHOD by which the user inputis to be sent; the ACTION, which specifies a URL to which the user inputis to be sent, presumably, a CGI script within CGI 11B that will actupon the request appropriately; and a SUBMIT button, to send thecompleted form over the Internet via HTTP. In the illustrativeembodiment, user input (i.e. a UPC or EAN number associated with aparticular consumer product) is obtained by an Input Box, which allowsthe user (i.e. retail sales clerk or consumer) to type in or scan in aUPC or EAN number assigned to a consumer product on which productrelated information is sought.

As indicated at Block C in FIG. 6C, the consumer or retail clerk scansthe bar coded consumer product, or enters the UPC or EAN number thereoninto the Input Box of the HTML form, and selects the SUBMIT buttonthereon. In response thereto, the Web browser on the client subsystem 13sends a GET request to the HTTP Server 11C of the IPD Server 11. Whenselecting the SUBMIT button on the HTML form, the Web browser executesthe METHOD associated with the HTML form and sends the stored UPC (orEAN) value to the URL specified by ACTION associated with the HTML form(i.e. the Web browser performs the action specified in the ACTION). TheACTION of the HTML form specifies the URL of the CGI script within CGI11B that will process the request from the HTML form. This amounts tothe Web browser constructing a GET request for that URL, with thearguments (the query string) being attached to the end of the URL. Thearguments of the HTML form are specified by the INPUT items of the HTMLform (i.e. the UPC or EAN number on the consumer product on whichinformation is sought).

As indicated at Block D, the HTTP (http) program 11C passes thearguments (the UPC or EAN numbers in the query string) to the CGIprogram 11B and the CGI script translates the Web query string into aproper query to the RDBMS 11A of the IPD Server 11.

As indicated at Block E, the translated query is used to search theRDBMS 11A and find the set of URLs (i) linked to the registered consumerproduct (by the manufacturer or agent thereof) assigned the UPC or EANnumber entered into the Input Box of the HTML form, and (ii) pointing toHTML (or FTP) documents on the WWW containing particular types ofconsumer product related information. The result returned from the RDBMS11A is an ASCII record specifying the set of URLs satisfying the abovecriteria. In order for the Web browser of the requesting clientsubsystem to display the results of the database search during thismode, the ASCII record must be converted into a HTML document (i.e. Weboutput form).

As indicated at Block F, the CGI script 11B creates the elements of anHTML document (Web output form), inserts the result from the RDBMS 11Ainto the Web output form, and sets the content-type of this HTMLdocument to text/html. In the illustrative embodiment, when the Weboutput form is displayed by the requesting client subsystem, a set ofURLs categorized by particular product information types is displayed onthe information display frame 20C Notably, this set of URLs points toparticular types of consumer product related information registeredwithin the RDBMS 11A of the system.

As indicated at Block G, the consumer or retail sales clerk can thenaccess and display any HTML document (Web page) located at a particularURL within the information menu by selecting the same using a touchscreen, mouse, or other input selection device.

Trademark-Directed Search Mode of Operation

Referring to FIG. 5D, the high level structure is shown for acommunication protocol that can be used among a client subsystem C_(a),an IPD Server Sb, and an IPI Server Sc of the IPI finding and servingsubsystem hereof when it is induced into the Trademark-Directed SearchMode of operation from the point of view of the depicted clientsubsystem. FIGS. 6D through 6D23, taken together, provide a high levelflow chart illustrating the steps involved in carrying out thiscommunication protocol when the IPI Finding and Serving Subsystem is inits Trademark-Directed Search Mode of operation.

As indicated at Block A in FIG. 6D1, when selected from theuser-interface of an IPI Website, the fourth Check Box type button 21Dautomatically activates the Trademark-Directed Search Mode of the IPIFinding and Serving Subsystem by sending an HTTP request to the IPDServer(s) 11 based on a URL hot-linked to the selected Check Box.

As indicated at Block B in FIG. 6D1, this causes a particular type ofHTML-encoded document (i.e. called an “HTML form” or “Web input formdocument”) residing on the IPD Server(s) 11 to be sent to the Webbrowser of the requesting client subsystem 13 and displayed on theinformation display frame 21C thereof (requesting this mode of service).As in the UPN-Directed Information Access Mode described above, the HTMLform sent in the Trademark-Directed Search Mode may also use any HTMLformat commands, such as headers, paragraphs, and lists, but mustinclude three unique items, namely: the METHOD by which the user inputis to be sent; the ACTION, which specifies a URL to which the user inputis to be sent, presumably, a CGI script within CGI 11B that will actupon the request appropriately; and a SUBMIT button, to send thecompleted form over the Internet via HTTP. In the illustrativeembodiment, user input (i.e. the trademark or trade name used with aparticular consumer product on which information is sought) is obtainedby an Input Box, which allows the user (i.e. retail sales clerk orconsumer) to type in the trademark or trade name believed or otherwiseknown to be used in connection with a particular consumer product onwhich information is sought.

As indicated at Block C in FIG. 6D1, the consumer or retail clerk entersthe trademark or trade name into the Input Box of the HTML form, andselects the SUBMIT button thereon. In response thereto, the Web browseron the client subsystem 13 sends a GET request to the HTTP Server 11C ofthe PD Server 11. When selecting the SUBMIT button on the HTML form, theWeb browser executes the METHOD associated with the HTML form and sendsthe stored trademark value to the URL specified by ACTION associatedwith the HTML form (i.e. the Web browser performs the action specifiedin the ACTION). The ACTION of the HTML form specifies the URL of the CGIscript within CGI 11B that will process the request from the HTML form.This amounts to the Web browser constructing a GET request for that URL,with the arguments (the query string) being attached to the end of theURL. The arguments of the HTML form are specified by the INPUT items ofthe HTML form (i.e. the trademark or trade name used in connection withthe consumer product on which information is sought).

As indicated at Block D in FIG. 6D1, the HTTP (http) program 11C passesthe arguments (the trademark or trade name in the query string) to theCGI program 11B and the CGI script translates the Web query string intoa proper query to the RDBMS 11A of the IPD Server 11.

As indicated at Block E in FIG. 6D1, the translated query is used tosearch the RDBMS 11A in order to find all registered consumer productshaving product descriptions (PD) registered within the RDBMS that arerelated to the trademark or trade name entered into the Input Box of theHTML form. The result returned from the RDBMS 11A is an ASCII recordspecifying each triplet data set (Product Description, UPN andManufacturer) which satisfies the above trademark search criteria (to aparticular degree) entered into the Input Box of the HTML form. In orderfor the Web browser of the requesting client subsystem to display theresults of the database search during this mode, the ASCII record mustbe converted into another HTML form for use in refining the consumerproduct information search.

At Block F in FIG. 6D2, the CGI script 11B creates the elements ofanother HTML document (Web auxiliary input form), inserts thepreliminary search result from the RDBMS 11A into the Web auxiliaryinput form, and sets the content-type of this HTML document totext/html. In the illustrative embodiment, the Web auxiliary-input formhas an ACTION which specifies the URL of a CGI script within CGI 11Bthat will act upon the request appropriately as if the system were inthe UPN-Directed Information Access Mode. The Web auxiliary input formincludes an Input Box listing all triplet data sets (i.e. ProductDescription, Manufacturers and UPN number) satisfying the inputtrademark search criteria entered in the primary Web input document,described hereinabove. The qualifying triplets listed in the Input Boxare provided with a Radio-Button to allow the consumer or retail salesclerk to select one of the triplets from the list thereof for use in asubsequent refined search of the RDBMS 11A. The Web auxiliary-input formalso has a SUBMIT button for sending the HTML form back to the HTTPServer 11C for processing.

As indicated at Block G in FIG. 6D2, when the consumer or retail salesclerk makes a selection with the Radio-Button and then selects theSUBMIT button, the Web browser on the client subsystem 13 sends arequest to the HTTP program 11C of the IPD Server 11 to get thecompleted HTML form.

As indicated at Block H in FIG. 6D2, the HTTP (http) program 11C passesthe arguments (the trademark or trade name in the query string) to theCGI program 11B, and the CGI script translates the Web query string intoa proper query for use in searching RDBMS 11A of the IPD Server 11.

At Block I in FIG. 6D2, the query is used to search the RDBMS 11A inorder to find the set of URLs (i) related to the registered consumerproduct (by the manufacturer or agent thereof) assigned the UPN,(Product Description and Manufacturer) entered into the Input Box of theHTML (auxiliary) form, and (ii) pointing to HTML (or FTP) documents onthe WWW containing particular types of consumer product relatedinformation. The result returned from the RDBMS 11A is an ASCII recordspecifying the set of URLs satisfying the above criteria. In order forthe Web browser of the requesting client subsystem to display theresults of the database search during this mode, the ASCII record mustbe converted into a HTML document (i.e. Web output form).

At Block J in FIG. 6D2, the CGI script 11B creates the elements of anHTML document (Web output form), inserts the result from the RDBMS 11Ainto the Web output form, sets the Content-type of this HTML document totext/html, and sends the HTML form to the requesting client subsystem.

At Block K in FIG. 6D3, the set of URLs categorized by particularproduct information types is displayed within the output HTML form onthe information display frame 20C. Notably, this set of URLs points toparticular types of consumer product related information registeredwithin the RDBMS 11A of the system by the manufacturer of the product orits agent(s) thereof using the UPN/URL management tools accessibleduring the Manufacturer/Product Registration Mode hereof.

As indicated at Block L in FIG. 6D3, the consumer or retail sales clerkcan access and display any HTML document (Web page) located at aparticular URL within the displayed information menu by selecting thesame using a touch screen, mouse, or other input selection deviceavailable at the requesting client subsystem 13.

Product-Description Directed Mode of Operation

Referring to FIG. 5E, the high level structure is shown for acommunication protocol that can be used among a client subsystem C_(a),an IPD Server Sb, and an IPI Server Sc of the IPI Finding and ServingSubsystem hereof when it is induced into the Product-DescriptionDirected Mode of operation from the point of view of the depicted clientsubsystem. FIGS. 6E1 through 6E3 provides a high level flow chartillustrating the steps involved in carrying out this communicationprotocol when the IPI Finding and Serving Subsystem is in itsProductDescription Directed Mode of operation.

As indicated at Block A in FIG. 6E1, when selected from theuser-interface of an IPI Website, the fifth Check Box type button 21Eautomatically activates the Product-Description Directed Search Mode ofthe IPI Finding and Serving Subsystem by sending an HTTP request to theIPD Server(s) 11 based on a URL hot-linked to the selected Check Box.

As indicated at Block B in FIG. 6E1, this causes a particular type ofHTML-encoded document (i.e. called an “HTML form” or “Web input formdocument”) residing on the IPD Server(s) 11 to be sent to the Webbrowser of the requesting client subsystem 13 and displayed on theinformation display frame 21C thereof (requesting this mode of service).As in the Trademark-Directed Search Mode described above, the HTML formsent in the Product-Description Directed Search Mode may also use anyHTML format commands, such as headers, paragraphs, and lists, but mustinclude three unique items, namely: the METHOD by which the user inputis to be sent; the ACTION, which specifies a URL to which the user inputis to be sent, presumably, a CGI script within CGI 11B that will actupon the request appropriately; and a SUBMIT button, to send thecompleted form over the Internet via HTTP. In the illustrativeembodiment, user input (i.e. the description or descriptor for aparticular consumer product on which information is sought) is obtainedby an Input Box, which allows the user (i.e. retail sales clerk orconsumer) to type in the product description for a particular consumerproduct on which information is sought.

As indicated at Block C in FIG. 6E1, the consumer or retail clerk entersthe product description into the Input Box of the HTML form, and selectsthe SUBMIT button thereon. In response thereto, the Web browser on theclient subsystem 13 sends a GET request to the HTTP Server 11C of theIPD Server 11. When selecting the SUBMIT button on the HTML form, theWeb browser executes the METHOD associated with the HTML form and sendsthe stored product description to the URL specified by ACTION associatedwith the HTML form (i.e. the Web browser performs the action specifiedin the ACTION). The ACTION of the HTML form specifies the URL of the CGIscript within CGI 11B that will process the request from the HTML form.This amounts to the Web browser constructing a GET request for that URL,with the arguments (the query string) being attached to the end of theURL. The arguments of the HTML form are specified by the INPUT items ofthe HTML form (i.e. the product description for the consumer product onwhich information is sought).

As indicated at Block D in FIG. 6E1, the HTTP (http) program 11C passesthe arguments (the product description in the query string) to the CGIprogram 11B and the CGI script translates the Web query string into aproper query to the RDBMS 11A of the IPD Server 11.

As indicated at Block E in FIG. 6E1, the translated query is used tosearch the RDBMS 11A in order to find all registered consumer productshaving trademarks or trade names within the RDBMS that are linked to theproduct description entered into the Input Box of the HTML form. Theresult returned from the RDBMS 11A is an ASCII record specifying eachtriplet data set (Trademark, UPN and Manufacturer) which satisfies theabove product-description search criteria (to a particular degree)entered into the Input Box of the HTML form. In order for the Webbrowser of the requesting client subsystem to display the results of thedatabase search during this mode, the ASCII record must be convertedinto another HTML form for use in refining the consumer productinformation search.

At Block F in FIG. 6E2, the CGI script 11B creates the elements ofanother HTML document (Web auxiliary input form), inserts thepreliminary search result from the RDBMS 11A into the Web auxiliaryinput form, and sets the Content-type of this HTML document totext/html. In the illustrative embodiment, the Web auxiliary-input formhas an ACTION which specifies the URL of a CGI script within CGI 11Bthat will act upon the request appropriately as if the system where inUPN-Directed Information Access Mode. The Web auxiliary input formincludes an Input Box listing all triplet data sets (i.e. Trademark,Manufacturer, and UPN number) satisfying the input product-descriptionsearch criteria entered in the primary Web input document, describedhereinabove. The qualifying triplets listed in the Input Box areprovided with a Radio-Button to allow the consumer or retail sales clerkto select one of the triplets from the list thereof for use in asubsequent refined search of the RDBMS 11A. The Web auxiliary-input formalso has a SUBMIT button for sending the HTML form back to the HTTPServer 11C for processing.

As indicated at Block G in FIG. 6E2, when the consumer or retail salesclerk makes a selection with the Radio-Button and then selects theSUBMIT button, the Web browser on the client subsystem 13 sends arequest to the HTTP Server 11C of the IPD Server 11.

As indicated at Block H in FIG. 6E2, the HTTP (http) program 11C passesthe arguments (the product description in the query string) to the CGIprogram 11B, and the CGI script translates the Web query string into aproper query for use in searching RDBMS 11A of the IPD Server 11.

At Block I in FIG. 6E2, the query is used to search the RDBMS 11A inorder to find the set of URLs (i) linked to the registered consumerproduct (by the manufacturer or agent thereof) assigned the UPN,(Trademark and Manufacturer) entered into the Input Box of the HTML(auxiliary) form, and (ii) pointing to HTML (or FTP) documents on theWWW containing particular types of consumer product related information.The result returned from the RDBMS 11A is an ASCII record specifying theset of URLs satisfying the above search criteria. In order for the Webbrowser of the requesting client subsystem to display the results of thedatabase search during this mode, the ASCII record must be convertedinto a HTML document (i.e. output HTML form).

At Block J in FIG. 6E2, the CGI script 11B creates the elements of anoutput HTML form, inserts the result from the RDBMS 11A thereinto, andsets the Content-type of this HTML document to text/htrl and sends arequest to the HTTP 11C to get the HTML form.

At Block K in FIG. 6E3, the set of URLs categorized by particularproduct information types is displayed within the output HTML form onthe information display frame 20C. Notably, this set of URLs points toparticular types of consumer product related information registeredwithin the RDBMS 11A of the system by the manufacturer of the product orits agent(s) thereof using the UPN/URL management tools accessibleduring the Manufacturer/Product Registration Mode hereof.

As indicated at Block L in FIG. 6E3, the consumer or retail sales clerkcan access and display any HTML document (Web page) located at aparticular URL within the displayed information menu by selecting thesame using a touch screen, mouse, or other input selection deviceavailable at the requesting client subsystem 13.

The protocols described above can be realized using any suitableprogramming language including, for example, an object-orientedprogramming language such as the Java™ programming language.

Registration Solicitation Mode of the IPI Finding and Serving Subsystem

In the illustrative embodiments of the present invention, thedata-synchronized IPD Servers of the system hereof are also providedwith an “Automated Registration Solicitation Mode” programmed by thewebmaster (or administrator) of the IPI Website(s). In this mode, eachIPD Server analyzes the data collected within its Non-IPI RegistrantDatabase. The data analysis procedure seeks to determine: (1) which“unregistered” products in the Non-IPI Registrant Database were thesubject of an information request at the IPD Server; (2) how many hits(requests) were made for the product within a predetermined length oftime (e.g. one week) by Internet users; and (3) whether the number ofrequests exceeds a particular “request threshold” (e.g. 100 requests inweek period). Then for each unregistered product which has exceeded therequest threshold, the IPD Server automatically sends an E-mail messageto the associated company. Preferably, the E-mail message is designed to(i) inform the company of recent information requests for theirproducts, and (ii) solicit the registration of such products with theIPD Server. Once registered with the system, such products can be easilyfound on the Internet by anyone wishing to use the product informationfinding techniques of the present invention.

Operation of the IPI Finding and Serving Subsystem and Method Hereof

When the Check Box button 21C is selected from the control frame 20B,the IPI Finding and Serving Subsystem enters its “UPN-DirectedInformation Access Mode” illustrated in FIG. 6C. Preferably, the user isprovided with a choice of language (e.g. English, German, French,Japanese, Chinese, etc.) by way of an appropriate menu-selection screen.After the desired language selection is made, the home page is displayedupon the client subsystem's display screen. A typical display screenproduced from the IPD Server might read as follows:

-   -   “Welcome to UPC-REQUEST™, the only Universal Product-Information        Finding and Serving System on the Internet.    -   Have you purchased a particular product, or are you considering        the purchase of a particular product, on which you would like        current, up-to-date information from the manufacturer or        advertiser?    -   Look no further than the UPC-REQUEST™ Universal        Product-Information Finding and Serving System.”

When the subsystem is in its “UPN-Directed Information Access Mode”, aWeb-based information resource pertaining to any commercial productregistered with the system can be displayed and selected by the user inorder to automatically access the same from the Internet. Suchinformation resources can include advertisements, specifications,operation descriptions, product simulations, purchase information,maintenance information, warranty and servicing information, productupdates, distributor/reseller information, incentives (e.g. discounts,rebates, coupons, etc.), electronic data transaction screens, etc. Inthis mode, desired product information is obtained by simply enteringthe registered product's UPN (e.g. its UPC's 12 digit numerical string)into the Input Box of the HTML form displayed in the information displayframe 20C. Such data entry can be carried out manually using a keyboarddata entry techniques, or automatically using a bar code symbol readerconnected to the client subsystem as discussed in detail above. Whenusing the seeded IPI Database described hereinabove, only the first sixdigits of the UPC number need be entered into the dialogue box. Anexemplary display screen produced from the IPD Server might be asfollows:

“Simply enter the 12 digit UPC the particular product; click REQUEST,and then wait for the display of the list of Web locators (URLs) atwhich the desired product information can be found on the Internet?”

In response to such data entry operations, a list or menu of URLsorganized according to information subfield classifications as setforth, for example, in FIG. 4A2, are displayed on client subsystem C_(a)making the request of the IPD Server. At this stage, another displayscreen associated with the HTML form produced from the IPD Server wouldappear with an exemplary message as follows:

“Please select the URL from the displayed URL Menu using the informationsubfield product information category displayed above. This will connectyou to the product information related to the selected URL. You canreturn to the URL display list at anytime.”

Upon selecting a particular URL from the displayed URL menu, video andaudio information content are automatically served from the IPI Server12 hosting the selected URL and thereafter displayed on the clientsubsystem 13.

When the Check Box button 21D is selected, the IPI Finding and SearchingSubsystem enters its Trademark-Directed Search Mode, illustrated inFIGS. 6D1 through 6D3. Preferably, the user is provided with a choice oflanguages (e.g. English, German, French, Japanese, Chinese, etc.) by wayof an appropriate menu-selection screen.

When the system is in its Trademark-Directed Search Mode, apredesignated information resource pertaining to any commercial productregistered with the system can be automatically accessed from theInternet and displayed from the Internet browser of a client subsystem13. Such information resources can include advertisements,specifications, operation descriptions, product simulations, productupgrade information, purchase information, maintenance information,warranty and servicing information, etc. In this mode, desired productinformation is obtained by simply entering the registered product'strademark(s) and/or associated company name into the Input Box of theHTML form displayed on the information display frame 20C of the clientsubsystem. An exemplary message associated with the HTML form producedfrom the IPD Server 11 might be as follows:

“Simply enter the trademark used in connection with the particularproduct and/or the company name of the product's manufacturer; clickREQUEST, and then wait for the display of a list of Web locators (URLs)at which desired types of product information can be found on theInternet?”

In response to such data entry operations, a list of URLs organizedaccording to the information subfield classifications set forth in FIG.4A2 is displayed on the client subsystem placing the request. Uponselecting a particular URL from the displayed list thereof, video andaudio information content are automatically served from the IPI Serverhosting the selected URL and thereafter displayed on the clientsubsystem.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the UPN-DirectedInformation Access Mode and the Trademark-Directed Search Mode can beintegrated into a single server application so that there is no need ordesire to manually select between mode activation buttons 21C and 21D,respectively. In such an embodiment, the interaction between the IPDServer and the requesting client subsystem can be designed to supportthe following Web server display screens and script underlying the same:

-   -   “Welcome to UPC-REQUEST™, the only Universal Product-Information        Finding and Serving System on the Internet.    -   Have you purchased a particular product, or are you considering        the purchase of a particular product, on which you would like        current, up-to-date information from the manufacturer or        advertiser?    -   Look no further than the UPC-REQUEST™Universal Product        Information Finding and Serving System.”    -   “Simply enter the 12 digit UPC number of the particular product,        click REQUEST, and select from the displayed menu of Web        locators (URLs) to find the desired product information on the        WWW.    -   “If you do not know the UPC number associated with the product        you are looking for, then simply enter the trademark used in        connection with the particular product and/or the company name        of the manufacturer, then click REQUEST, and wait for the        display of the list of Web locators (URLs) at which the desired        product information can be found?    -   “Please select the URL from the displayed URL list by clicking        on it. This will connect you to the product information related        to the selected URL. You can return to the URL display list at        anytime.”        Notably, such an integrated Web server application can be        realized in a variety of ways. The exact words and graphics used        to create an interactive script for an integrated Web server        application will vary from embodiment to embodiment of the        present invention.

In instances when an IPI Website in accordance with the presentinvention is being served to consumers in retail environments using acomputer-based kiosk as shown in FIG. 3A2, the consumer as well asretail sales clerk is presented with the option of ascertaining theprice of a product in the store. This is achieved by simply depressingthe “Price Display” button 21F on Control Strip 20B, shown in FIG. 3C,to engage the system in its price lookup/display mode. In this mode ofoperation, the consumer then need only scan the UPC bar code symbol onthe product using the bar code scanner 26 in order for the price to belooked-up in the Product Price Database maintained in the Retailer'sPrice Server (RPS) 35, and displayed on the kiosk display screen. Ingeneral, the Product Price Database of the hosting retailer can be madeaccessible by the computer-based kiosk in several possible ways. Asshown in FIG. 2, one way is to place the retailer's RPS on Internet (byusing an HTTP server) and connect the RPS to the IPD Server 11 of thesystem by way of a CGI well known in the art. The CGI can be madeaccessible only by authorized client subsystems (e.g. computer-basedkiosks installed in the hosting retailer's store and possibleadministrators of the information delivery system of the presentinvention). An alternative technique of connecting the Product PriceDatabase to each computer-based kiosk would involve providing the RPSwith a direct interface to each computer-based kiosk in the hostingretailer's store(s). This alternative technique may require the use ofcomputer networking technology well known in the art.

A Best Mode Embodiment of IPI Finding and Serving Subsystem of thePresent Invention

The IPI finding subsystem (i.e. system) of the present invention can berealized on the Internet in a variety of different ways. Each embodimentof the system will provide manufacturers, retailers, consumers andsponsors with various benefits hitherto unachievable using prior artsystems and methodologies. A best mode embodiment of the system will nowbe described below with reference to Intent-to-Use (ITU) servicemarksthat Applicant has sought to register under the Lanbam Act andultimately to use in reducing the Internet-based consumer productinformation finding system to commercial practice in the near future.The inventive subject matter herein disclosed can be readily applied tocarry out such an Internet-based information finding and deliverysystem.

According to the best mode embodiment, the IPI Finding and ServingSubsystem 2, referred to as the “UPC REQUEST™ Consumer ProductInformation Finding System” in FIGS. 7 and 8 hereof, comprises anintegration of several subsystems including, for example: the UPCREQUEST™ Manufacturer/Product Registration Subsystem 33 (e.g. WebDocument Server 30 and Workstation 31) including Wed-based and ValueAdded Networks (VAN)-based infrastructure and processes 14 forsupporting EDI and UPN/URL database management operations bymanufacturers and/or their agents; the UPC REQUEST Database ManagementSubsystem 9 interfaced with the UPC REQUEST™ Manufacturer/ProductRegistration Subsystem 33; numerous UPC REQUEST™ kiosks (e.g. clientsubsystems 13) installed in retail stores, retail outlets and the like,each having a bar code symbol driven Internet browser providing accessto the Internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP); and all ofthe Web-enabled client subsystems 13 located in consumer homes, inconsumer offices and on the road, having access to the Internet throughan ISP. While distributed geographically, these subsystems areintegrated through the infrastructure of the Internet.

The function of the UPC REQUEST™ Manufacturer/Product RegistrationSubsystem 33 is two-fold: to enable qualified manufacturers to quicklyand easily register their companies with the System (i.e. the UPCREQUEST™ Database Management Subsystem 9) by way of a Web-enabledcomputer system of their choice; and (2) enable manufacturers and/ortheir agents to easily link, manage and update their UPC numbers andlinked URLs using any Web-enabled computer system 13 running theEDI-based UPN/URL Database Management software (downloaded duringmanufacturer registration), and periodically transmit such updatedinformation to the UPC REQUEST™ Database Management Subsystem in orderto update each manufacturer's information within the UPC REQUEST™Database (i.e., IPI Database shown in FIGS. 4A1 and 4A2).

The function of the UPC REQUEST™ Database Management Subsystem 9 is tomaintain and update the UPC REQUEST™ Database (shown in FIGS. 4A1, 4A2and FIGS. 4C through 4C4), which contains various information itemsregarding registered manufacturers, service-subscribing retailers, andregistered consumer products including, for example, UPC (and/orUPC/EAN) numbers assigned to consumer products and linked URLs pointingto published HTTP-encoded documents (i.e. Web pages) containingparticular types of information related to such products.

Within the store of each retailer subscribing to the UPC REQUEST™Consumer Information Service, the function of the UPC REQUEST™ kiosk isto provide consumer access to the UPC REQUEST™ Retailer Website (e.g.UPC REQUEST™@ Wal-Mart, UPC REQUEST™ @ Home Depot, etc.). The UPCREQUEST™ Retailer Website served to kiosks with the retailer's storeprovides consumer access to UPN/URL information links relating only tothose products sold by the retailer and maintained within the UPCREQUEST™ Database Management System by the manufacturer or agentthereof. If desired by the subscribing retailer, its UPC REQUEST™Retailer Website can be freely served to customers over the Internet,e.g. accessible from a hot-link embedded somewhere in the retailer'sWebsite.

Within the realm of the UPC REQUEST™ System 2, the function of theWeb-enabled client computer system 13 of each consumer, wherever it maybe located (e.g. at home, in the office or on the road), is to provideconsumer access to the UPC REQUEST™ Central Website which is freelyserved over the Internet to any consumer having a Web-enabled computersystem. Unlike each UPC REQUEST™ Retailer Website maintained by the UPCREQUEST™ Database Management System, the UPC REQUEST™ Central Websiteprovides consumer access to UPN/URL information links relating to everyproduct maintained within the UPC REQUEST™ Database Management System byevery registered manufacturer. Any attempt by a consumer to accessinformation from a particular UPC REQUEST™ Retailer Website regarding aproduct not sold in the retailer's store will automatically result in alink over to the UPC REQUEST™ Central Website.

A Brief Description of the UPC REQUEST™ Service

When installed in retail stores, the UPC REQUEST™ System will providefive revolutionary Internet-based consumer information services underthe servicemarks HOME-PAGE™, INFO-LINK™, CYBER-SERVICE™, TRADE-MARK™ andPRODUCT-TYPE™, respectively. Each of these information services isaccessible to consumers and sales clerks alike from a UPC REQUEST™Retailer Website (e.g. UPC REQUEST™ @ Home Depot Website) accessedwithin a retail store, as well as from on the UPC REQUEST™ CentralWebsite.

To constantly remind the public at large of the “fee-paying” sponsors ofthe UPC REQUEST™ System, all Web pages displayed by the UPC REQUEST™System in a retail store (e.g. on UPC REQUEST™ @ Home Depot Website), oron the UPC REQUEST™ Central Website, will be displayed within athree-frame display “framework” comprising a sponsor frame, a controlframe, and an information frame.

The “sponsor frame”, located on the upper-most portion of the Internetbrowser screen, displays the sponsor's greeting such as, for example,“Welcome to UPC REQUEST™, sponsored by Visa and Federal Express.”

The “control frame”, located on the left-most side of the Internetbrowser screen, will provide five mode activations buttons. The firstmode activation button 21A enables consumers to request the INFO-LINK™service. The second mode activation button 21B enables consumers torequest the HOME-PAGE™ service. The third mode activation button 21Cenables consumers to request CYBER-SERVICE™. The fourth mode activationbutton 21D enables consumers to request TRADE-MARK™. The fifth modeactivation button 21E enables consumers to request PRODUCT-TYPE™. Asixth button enables the download a free plug-in software module whichautomatically installs a “Product Information” button on the graphicaluser interface of the consumer's Internet browser, so that the UPCREQUEST™ Central Website can be accessed anywhere in the world with asingle click of the mouse button.

The “information frame”, occupying the balance of the Internet browserscreen, will display: all HTTP (i.e. Web) and FTP pages launched byin-store scanning of UPC-labeled products during HOME-PAGE™ orCYBER-SERVICE™; all HTTP and FTP pages launched by clicking onhypertext-links embedded within Web pages accessed through a particularUPC REQUEST™ Retailer Website in retail stores or from the UPC REQUEST™Central Website; as well as all information search and display (menu)screens served by a UPC REQUEST™ Retailer Website on the UPC REQUEST™Central Website.

In retail stores subscribing to the UPC REQUEST™ System, HOME-PAGE™manufacturer's website search site will enable consumers toautomatically access the WWW Home Page of any registered manufacturer byscanning the UPC (or UPC/EAN) bar code symbol on any product thereofusing the bar code symbol reader associated with a UPC REQUEST™ kiosk.In general, the UPC REQUEST™ kiosk can be realized by any Web-enabledcomputer system 13 having an Internet browser program, on-line access tothe UPC REQUEST™ Retailer Website, and optionally a touch-screen displaypanel. The UPC REQUEST™ kiosk may, however, be realized as aninexpensive Internet access terminal comprising a Web-enabled networkcomputer (NC), an LCD touch-screen panel, and a laser scanning bar codesymbol reader integrated within an ultra-compact housing that ismountable within diverse locations within retail stores. As shown inFIG. 3A5, the UPC REQUEST™ kiosk may also be integrated within aconventional Point Of Sale (POS) station having a laser scanning barcode symbol reader and a large rotatable LCD display panel. Being aseasy to install as a telephone modem, UPC REQUEST™ kiosks of this designcan be widely deployed throughout retail stores world-wide with minimalmodifications to the preexisting information infrastructure.

At home, in the office, or on the road, HOME-PAGE™ enables consumers toautomatically access the WWW Home Page of any registered manufacturer byentering the UPN (or UPC/EAN number) on any product into the searchscreen served up by a particular UPC REQUEST™ Retailer Website, or bythe UPC REQUEST™ Central Website.

INFO-LINK™, carried out using EDI-based UPN/URL Database Managementsoftware (downloaded from Manufacturer/Product Registration Subsystem33), enables manufacturers to simply relate (link), manage and updatetherein (i) the UPN (or UPC/EAN number) on any product with (ii) theInternet address (i.e. URL) of product-related Web pages published onthe Internet by the manufacturer, its agents, or others, for subsequentaccess and display by consumers using CYBER-SERVICE™. While theINFO-LINK™ service would be made accessible through UPC REQUEST™ kiosks13 in retail stores (i.e. for the sake of vendors who frequent thesame), the actual UPN/URL information linking and management operationsassociated with the INFO-LINK™ service will typically occur in the“back-offices” of registered manufacturers using Internet-enabledcomputer systems accessing INFO-LINK™ through a hot-linked URL posted onthe UPC REQUEST™ Retailer Website and/or the UPC REQUEST™ CentralWebsite.

CYBER-SERVICE™, accessible through a particular UPC REQUEST™ RetailWebsite or the UPC REQUEST™ Central Website, enables consumers at home,in the office, on the road, and in retail stores, to quickly accessparticular types of product-related information which have beenpublished on the WWW by registered manufacturers, their agents andothers about consumer products registered with the UPC REQUEST™ DatabaseManagement System. CYBER-SERVICE™ displays such product-relatedinformation in a menu-like format organized by particular informationtypes (e.g., Product Advertisements, Product Endorsements, ProductReviews, Product Rebates and Incentives, Product Description, ProductManual/Instructions, Product Updates (at FTP Sites), Warranty and RepairService, Direct Product Purchase, Retailers, Wholesalers, ComplementaryProducts, Company Annual Report, Stock Purchase, etc.). Each displayedinformation menu associated with a consumer product containshyper-linked URLs pointing to HTTP-documents containing particular typesof product-related information linked to the product by the manufactureror its agent.

When CYBER-SERVICE™ is selected from a particular UPC REQUEST™ RetailWebsite, each product-related Web page listed in the displayed“information menu” can be accessed and displayed simply by touching thecorresponding Internet address (i.e. URL) displayed on the touch-screendisplay panel of the UPC REQUEST™ kiosk in the retail store. WhenCYBER-SERVICE™ is selected from the UPC REQUEST™ Central Website, eachproduct-related Web page listed in the displayed “information menu” canbe accessed and displayed simply by clicking the display screen thereofaccessed by an Internet-enabled computer system.

TRADE-MARK™, accessible through a particular UPC REQUEST™ Retail Websiteor the UPC REQUEST™ Central Website, enables consumers to quickly accessparticular types of product-related information from the UPC REQUEST™Database, by using the trademark or trade name of the related product.When this mode of service is requested, a search screen is displayedwithin the information frame so that the consumer or sales clerk canenter the trademark or trade name for the related consumer product.

PRODUCT-TYPE™, accessible through a particular UPC REQUEST™ RetailWebsite or the UPC REQUEST™ Central Website, enables consumers toquickly access particular types of product-related information from theUPC REQUEST™ Database, by using a descriptive term for the relatedproduct. When this mode of service is requested, a search screen isdisplayed within the information frame so that the consumer or salesclerk can enter a descriptive term for the related consumer product.

To maximize value to a particular retail store's customers, each UPCREQUEST™ Retail Website served at each retail store subscriber would bemade accessible to consumers outside their retail stores (e.g. at home,in the office or on the road) by several Internet access methodsincluding, for example: through a hot-linked URL posted on the retailstore's Website, pointing to the UPC REQUEST™ Retail Website; through apublicly accessible URL, e.g.http://www.upcrequest.com/@ retail store;etc.

Benefits Provided to Sponsors Promoting the UPC REQUEST™ System

HOME-PAGE™ and CYBER-SERVICE™ will foster customer loyalty and patronagewith sponsors by providing consumers with valuable product-relatedinformation before and after product purchases.

CYBER-SERVICE™ will provide sponsors with an economical and effectiveway of marketing products and services to their customers and shoppersworldwide.

HOME-PAGE™ will provide sponsors with valuable advertising space on theUPC REQUEST™ Central Website, for subleasing to retailers, manufacturersand business concerns.

INFO-LINK™ will provide sponsors with an effective way of promotingtheir products and/or services among manufacturers, retailers andconsumers using the UPC REQUESTS™ System.

Benefits Provided to Customers Using the UPC REQUEST™ System in RetailStores

HOME-PAGE™ will allow customers to automatically access the Home Page ofany manufacturer's Website by simply scanning the UPC bar code symbol onany product thereof at any UPC REQUEST™ information kiosk in aretailer's store.

CYBER-SERVICE™ will allow customers to quickly access (by touch-screenURL selection) particular types of product-related information that havebeen published on the World Wide Web (WWW) by manufacturers, theiragents or others, and registered within the UPC REQUEST™ Databasethrough INFO-LINK™.

TRADE-MARK™ will allow customers to quickly access product relatedinformation menus from the UPC REQUEST™ Database using trademarks ortrade names used in connection with the product on which information isbeing sought.

PRODUCT-TYPE™ will allow customers to quickly access product relatedinformation menus from the UPC REQUEST™ Database using descriptive termsrelated to the product on which information is being sought.

Benefits Provided to Customers Using the UPC REQUEST™ System at Home, inthe Office, or on the Road

HOME-PAGE™ will allow customers to automatically access the Home Page ofany manufacturer's Website by simply entering the UPC (or UPC/EAN)number on any consumer product, into a UPC REQUEST™ search screen servedfrom the UPC REQUEST™ Central Website and accessible to anyone using anInternet-enabled computer system at home, in the office, or on the road.

CYBER-SERVICE™ will allow customers to quickly access from the UPCREQUEST™ Database, particular types of product-related information thathave been published on the WWW by manufacturers, their agents or others,and registered within the UPC REQUEST™ Database through the INFO-LINK™service.

TRADE-MARK™ will allow customers to quickly access product relatedinformation menus from the UPC REQUEST™ Database using trademarks ortrade names used in connection with the product on which information isbeing sought.

PRODUCT-TYPE™ will allow customers to quickly access product relatedinformation menus from the UPC REQUEST™ Database using descriptive termsrelated to the product on which information is being sought.

Benefits Provided to Retailers Providing UPC REQUEST™ System in theirStores

HOME-PAGE™ and CYBER-SERVICE™ will foster customer loyalty and patronagewith retailers by providing shoppers with valuable product-relatedinformation before and after product purchases.

CYBER-SERVICE™ will provide retailers with an economical and effectiveway of marketing its products to customers and shoppers within itsstores.

CYBER-SERVICE™ will provide retail sales personnel with an opportunityto learn about a retailer's products by scanning the UPC bar codesymbols on such products, and selecting product-related Web pages forin-store review and sales-training sessions whenever customer demandallows.

HOME-PAGE™ and CYBER-SERVICE™ will provide retailers with valuableadvertising space in their stores for subleasing to manufacturers andothers (e.g. Local sponsors) in order to self-finance the store-widedelivery of the UPC REQUEST™ Service.

TRADE-MARK™ will allow sales clerks and customers to quickly accessproduct related information menus from the UPC REQUEST™ Database usingtrademarks or trade names used in connection with the product on whichinformation is being sought.

PRODUCT-TYPE™ will allow sales clerks and customers to quickly accessproduct related information menus from the UPC REQUEST™ Database usingdescriptive terms related to the product on which information is beingsought.

Proposed Revenue Model for the UPC REQUEST™ System

The UPC REQUEST™ System will generate revenue from at least foursources: Manufacturer Fees paid by manufacturers who want to registertheir products and product-related Web pages with the UPC REQUEST™Database; Retailer Fees paid by retailers who want to provide bar codedriven access to the UPC REQUEST™ System in retail stores; Sponsor Feespaid by Sponsors of the UPC REQUEST™ System; and Advertiser Fees paid byadvertisers on the UPC REQUEST™ Central Website.

Manufacturers desiring to register their consumer products andproduct-related Web pages within the UPC REQUEST™ Database would pay aone-time Manufacturer Registration Fee, based on volume of sales. Anannual maintenance fee may be desired or necessary. Minimally, such feesshould cover the cost of the EDI and UPN/URL Database Managementsoftware (and updates) automatically downloaded to each manufacturerupon registration. Such Web-based EDI software enables manufacturers toeasily manage the UPC numbers and Web page URLs associated with theirchanging product lines, and to automatically transmit such informationto the UPC REQUEST™ Manufacturer/Product Registration Subsystem in orderthat the UPC REQUEST™ Database Management Subsystem is periodicallyupdated.

Retailers providing bar code driven access to the UPC REQUEST™ System intheir retail stores would pay an annual Retailer License Fee based onthe number of UPC REQUEST™ kiosks deployed therein (within store isles,at POS stations and behind information/service counters).

Each sponsor of the UPC REQUEST™ System would pay an annual Sponsor Feefor the right to display its name, trademark/servicemark and/or messagein hypertext within a selected portion of the sponsor frame displayed bylicensed UPC REQUEST™ kiosks in retail stores, as well asInternet-enabled computer systems accessing the UPC REQUEST™ CentralWebsite. For marketing reasons, it would be desirable to limit thenumber of sponsors of the UPC REQUEST™ System at any instant in time.

Advertisers, who advertise on the UPC REQUEST™ Central Website, wouldpay an Advertiser Fee based on the time and location that the Webadvertisement is displayed.

Usage of the UPC REQUEST™ in Diverse Retail Markets

The UPC REQUEST™ System can be used to provide consumers quick access touseful product-related information in diverse types of retail shoppingenvironments including, for example, retail superstores, discountdepartment stores, home-improvement stores, computer superstores,drugstores and pharmacies, music stores, video rental stores,bookstores, supermarkets, grocery stores and the like. Each of theseretail markets provides a unique environment in which the UPC REQUEST™System can be used by manufacturers of consumer products to effectivelydeliver product-related information to consumers in retail stores, athome, in the office or on the road, before and after consumer purchases.

As the UPC REQUEST™ System provides manufacturers with an effective wayand means of making direct contact with present and future customers, itenables both manufacturers and retailers alike to influence demand inways that have hitherto have been unavailable. Such features of the UPCREQUEST™ System present enormous growth opportunities in retail supplyand demand chain management across diverse markets within our everexpanding global economy.

Modifications of the Illustrative Embodiments of the Invention

The present invention has been described in great detail with referenceto the above illustrative embodiments. It is understood, however, thatnumerous modifications will readily occur to those with ordinary skillin the art having had the benefit of reading the present disclosure.

For example, in the illustrative embodiments described hereinabove,separate databases are maintained by each data-synchronized IPD Serverfor (i) registered products within the system, and (ii) non-registeredproducts within the system. Notably, the reasons for using a dualdatabase design of this sort would be based largely on economics,namely: only those companies who have paid the required maintenance (orregistration) fees get their products and linked-URLs “registered” withthe system, whereas non-paying companies and organizations do not gettheir products and linked-URLs registered with the system, regardless ofhow such product-URL information is ascertained (e.g. by solicitationversus data-mining).

Thus it is contemplated that in some embodiments of the presentinvention, each IPD Server will be designed to maintain only a singledatabase for maintaining product-URL information currently available onthe Internet. In such embodiments of the present invention, the conceptof “non-registered” products will be altogether avoided, since thesystem implementation and administration may be designed to not requirecompanies to pay maintenance (or registration) fees in order that theirproducts and linked URLs are registered with the IPI system. Instead,some alternative income producing scheme will be used in suchembodiments of the present invention (e.g. user fees, subscription fees,Internet browser-licensing fees, etc.) for system maintenance andadministration.

When practicing the system and method of the present invention, it ispreferred that the UPC label (with its human-readable UPC number)assigned to the particular product be attached, embossed or otherwiseembodied on an accessible surface thereof. In addition to applying theUPC label to the external packaging of the product, it is preferred thatthe UPC label also be printed on any and all product instructions andmanuals provided with the product. In this way, the UPC number can beeasily read by a human being and then used to access a desired type ofproduct information using the system and method of the presentinvention.

In order that the system hereof can be used to find informationpertaining to large products such as automobiles, motorcycles, skidoos,farm machinery, boats, etc., the present invention also contemplatesassigning UPNs (e.g. UPC or EAN numbers) to such products and attaching,embossing or otherwise embodying the same on an accessible surfacethereof. Also, the UPN label can be printed on all instruction bookletsand/or operating manuals normally provided with the product. In thisway, information related to any particular product that is postedanywhere on the Internet and linked to URLs registered with the IPDServers 11 of the system hereof can be readily found using the uniqueUPC number assigned thereto by the manufacturer at the time of sale.Notably multimedia information about such products can be most helpfulin regard to the operation, repair and servicing of such products.

The system and method of the present invention has been shown to combinethe use of UPNs, trademarks and company names when making a productinformation request of the system. It is understood, however, that thepresent invention can be practiced using anyone of these items ofinformation, alone or in combination with each other, in order to placea product information request with the system hereof.

Also, while the system of the illustrative embodiment has been shownused to collect, transport and serve information related to consumerproducts, it is understood that the system can be used to link the URLsof HTML (and other Internet) documents with consumer services assigneduniform service numbers (USN) which may be based on the UPC or EANnumbering system, or some other suitable system. In such alternativeembodiments, the IPI Database would contain information pertaining touniform service numbers (USN) that have been linked to the URLs of HTMLor like documents on the Internet by the manufacturer or its agents, inessentially the same manner as conducted for consumer products. SuchUSN/URL management operations can be carried out in a similar to thatdescribed in connection with UPN/URL management along the retail supplyand demand chain.

In connection with the consumer service information embodiment of thepresent invention, it is understood that at present, few (if any)services have been assigned a UPC (or EAN) number in the manner thatnearly all consumer products have been assigned in the contemporaryperiod. In spite of this fact, however, the present inventioncontemplates the need and utility of widespread assignment of UPC, EANor similar numbers by service providers to particular services (as wellas the imprinting of UPC, EAN or similar symbols on printed servicebrochures and advertisements. Notably, assigning uniform service numbers(USNs) to particular services, and labeling printed and graphicalbrochures and advertisements with such universal numbers, will provide anumber of new opportunities hitherto unavailable.

In particular, service-related information could be easily found (i.e.located and accessed) on Websites using the system and method of thepresent invention, and thereafter the service can easily be procuredthrough an electronic data transaction. In accordance with the presentinvention, this can be achieved by uniquely identifying and assigning“particular” services by a Universal Service Code (USC) which has manyif not all of the attributes of a conventional UPC. While not necessary,a single digit may be optionally added to the USC in order to demarkthat services are being identified rather than products. An example ofsuch USC labeling would be printing an assigned UPC label (number) on:admission tickets to a theatrical, dramatic or musical performanceand/or its playbill; admission tickets to a movie; admission ticket to aconcert and/or its concert program; admission tickets to a sportingevent and/or its sports program; admission tickets to an art, science orhistory museum; admission tickets to the zoo or botanical gardens; andthe like. The UPC label would be encoded to identify a particular eventat which an entertainment, educational or professional service isprovided. The UPC label printed on the tangible medium associated withthe promotion of or access to the particular service would then beregistered with the IPI Registrant Database of the system hereof, alongwith the name of the provider of the service, and a list of URLs thatidentify the Web locations at which particular kinds of informationrelated to the particular service can be found (in accordance with thecategories of FIG. 4A2).

These and all other such modifications and variations are deemed to bewithin the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by theaccompanying Claims to Invention.

1. A method of managing and delivering manufacturer-specified consumerproduct information to consumers in the marketplace, said methodcomprising the steps of: (a) for a plurality of UPN-labeled consumerproducts offered for sale within a the marketplace, having themanufacturer of said plurality of UPN-labeled consumer products or anagent thereof, access a relational database and store therein,information elements representative of (1) a plurality of universalproduct numbers (UPNs) assigned to said plurality of UPN-labeledconsumer products manufactured by said manufacturer and registered withsaid relational database, and (2A) a trademark (TM) symbolically linkedto each said UPN, (2B) a product description (PD) symbolically linked toeach said UPN, and (2C) one or more uniform resource locators (URL)symbolically linked to each said UPN, wherein each said URL specifiesthe location of an information resource located on the Internet andrelated to one of said plurality of UPN-labeled consumer productsregistered with said relational database by said manufacturer, andwherein a UPN/TM/PD/URL data link is created and maintained in saidrelational database for each said UPN-labeled consumer productregistered with said relational database by the manufacturer; (b)operably connecting an Internet information server to the infrastructureof the Internet and to said relational database, so as to enable saidInternet information server to service a request made by anInternet-enabled client computer, for information on the Internet aboutone of said plurality of UPN-labeled consumer products registered withsaid relational database by said manufacturer and/or its agent; (c)operably connecting one or more Internet-based product informationservers, to the infrastructure of Internet, in which informationresources related to one or more of said plurality of UPN-labeledconsumer products are stored at said plurality of URLs; (d) operablyconnecting a plurality of Internet-enabled client computers to theinfrastructure of the Internet; (e) transmitting from at least one ofsaid Internet-enabled client computers, a request for information on theInternet about a UPN-labeled consumer product registered with saidrelational database, wherein each said request transmitted by saidInternet-enabled computer may include either the UPN, TM and/or PDsymbolically linked to the UPN assigned to a registered UPN-labeledconsumer product on which consumer product information on the Internetis being sought by a consumer within said marketplace; (f) receiving atsaid Internet information server, the request transmitted by saidInternet-enabled client computer, and recovering the UPN, TM and/or PDcontained in said request so as to enable said Internet informationserver to access said URLs symbolically linked to the UPN, TM and/or PDand stored in said relational database, and then transmit said accessedURLs to said Internet-enabled client computer for display to and use bya consumer in accessing information resources stored in saidInternet-based product information server, at said URLs; (g)automatically soliciting the registration of consumer products bymanufacturers whose UPN/TM/PD/URL data links have been accessed but werenot available in said relational database, and (h) enabling amanufacturer and/or its agents to dynamically update and manageUPN/TM/PD/URL data links associated with the manufacturer.
 2. The methodof claim 1, wherein at least one of said Internet-based client computerscomprises an Internet-enabled consumer product information kioskinstalled within said marketplace, wherein said Internet-enabledconsumer product information kiosk has (i) a bar code symbol reader forreading the UPN labels on said plurality of UPN-labeled consumerproducts and entering UPN information into said Internet-enabledconsumer product information kiosk, (ii) a data entry and display screenfor entering TM and PD related information into said Internet-enabledconsumer product information kiosk and displaying consumer productinformation resources accessed from Internet-based information servers,and (ii) UPN, TM and PD directed modes of consumer product informationsearch operation.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said UPN assigned toeach said UPN-labeled consumer product is a unique Uniform Product Code(UPC) number assigned to said UPN-labeled consumer product.
 4. Themethod of claim 2, wherein said Internet-enabled consumer productinformation kiosk comprises an Internet browser program enabling eitherthe UPN, TM and/or TM symbolically linked to the UPN of a registeredUPN-labeled consumer product, to be used to access consumer productinformation contained within said Internet-based product informationservers on the Internet.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein saidinformation resources contain multi-media information content relatingto one or more of said plurality of UPN-labeled consumer products. 6.The method of claim 1, wherein said manufacturer or an agent thereofuses an Internet-enabled browser to access said relational database, andstore UPN/TM/PD/URL data links therein.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein said bar code symbol reader is an automatic laser-scanning barcode symbol reader used to read the UPN-label on at least one of saidplurality of UPN-labeled consumer products.
 8. A system for managing anddelivering manufacturer-specified consumer product information toconsumers within a marketplace, said system comprising: a relationaldatabase accessible by the manufacturer of a plurality of UPN-labeledconsumer products offered for sale within the marketplace, or by anagent thereof, for storing therein information elements representativeof (1) a plurality of universal product numbers (UPNs) assigned to aplurality of UPN-labeled consumer products manufactured by saidmanufacturer and registered with said relational database, and (2A) atrademark (TM) symbolically linked to each said UPN, (2B) a productdescription (PD) symbolically linked to each said UPN, and (2C) one ormore uniform resource locators (URLs) symbolically linked to each saidUPN, wherein each said URL specifies the location of an informationresource located on the Internet related to one of said plurality ofUPN-labeled consumer products registered with said relational databaseby said manufacturer, and wherein a UPN/TM/PD/URL data link is createdand maintained in said relational database for each UPN-labeled consumerproduct registered with said relational database by the manufacturer,and offered for sale in said marketplace an Internet information server,operably connected to the infrastructure of the Internet and saidrelational database, and being capable of servicing a request made by anInternet-enabled client computer, for information on the Internet aboutone of said plurality of UPN-labeled consumer products registered withsaid relational database by said manufacturer; a plurality ofInternet-based product information servers, each operably connected tothe infrastructure of Internet and storing information resources locatedat one or more of said plurality of URLs stored in said relationaldatabase, and being related to one or more of said plurality ofUPN-labeled consumer products; a plurality of Internet-enabled clientcomputers installed within said marketplace, each said Internet-enabledclient computer being operably connected to the infrastructure of theInternet and being capable of transmitting a request therefrom forinformation resources on the Internet about a UPN-labeled consumerproduct registered with said relational database; wherein each saidrequest may include either the UPN, TM and/or PD symbolically linked tothe UPN assigned to a registered UPN-labeled consumer product on whichconsumer product information on the Internet is being sought by aconsumer within said retail store environment, whereby each requesttransmitted by said Internet-enabled client computer is received by saidInternet information server, and the UPN, TM and/or PD contained in saidrequest is recovered by said Internet information server and used toaccess said URLs symbolically linked to the UPN, TM and/or PD and storedin said relational database, and said URLs accessed from said relationaldatabase are transmitted to said Internet-enabled client computer fordisplay to and use by a consumer in accessing information resourcesstored in said Internet-based product information servers, at said URLs;means for automatically soliciting the registration of consumer productsby manufacturers whose UPN/TM/PD/URL data links have been accessed butwere not available in said relational database; and means for enabling amanufacturer and/or its agents to dynamically update and manageUPN/TM/PD/URL data links associated with the manufacturer.
 9. The systemof claim 8, wherein said UPN assigned to each said UPN-labeled consumerproduct is a unique Uniform Product Code (UPC) number assigned to saidUPN-labeled consumer product.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein atleast one of said Internet-enabled client computers comprises anInternet-enabled consumer product information kiosk having (i) anautomatic bar code symbol reader for automatically reading the UPNlabels on said plurality of UPN-labeled consumer products and enteringUPN information into said Internet-enabled consumer product informationkiosk, (ii) a touch-type data entry and display screen for entering TMand PD related information into said Internet-enabled consumer productinformation kiosk and displaying consumer product information resourcesaccessed from Internet-based information servers, and (ii) UPN, TMand/or PD directed modes of consumer product information searchoperation.
 11. The system of claim 8, wherein each said Internet-enabledclient computer comprises an Internet browser program enabling eitherthe UPN, TM and/or PD symbolically linked to the UPN of a registeredUPN-labeled consumer product, to be used to access consumer productinformation contained within said Internet-based product informationservers on the Internet.
 12. The system of claim 8, wherein saidinformation resources contain multi-media information content relatingto one or more of said plurality of UPN-labeled consumer products. 13.The system of claim 10, wherein said automatic bar code symbol reader isan automatic laser scanning bar code symbol reader.
 14. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the manufacturer or an agent thereof uses anInternet-enabled browser to access said relational database, and storeUPN/TM/PD/URL information links therein.